Leon Davoyan’s rise to Chief Technology Officer at Dave’s Hot Chicken began at Universal Studios in 1994, where his exposure to the world of Point of Sale (POS) systems sparked his passion for innovation.
His work with POS technology, then in its infancy, led him to specialise in scaling businesses rapidly. Whether helping quick-service restaurants expand by dozens of locations or working with fine dining and nightclubs aiming for measured growth, Leon’s ability to implement robust technological systems has been key to his success. This focus on scalable tech made him the perfect fit for Dave’s Hot Chicken as the company embarked on its explosive global growth journey.
Adapting to technological transformation
At Dave’s Hot Chicken, technology has been crucial in managing the brand’s rapid rise. Leon has embraced cutting-edge solutions to keep the company ahead of the curve. He quickly recognised that artificial intelligence (AI) and other tech advances would shape the future of the food industry, pushing him to design systems that are not only reliable but also flexible enough to evolve with the business.
Leon’s philosophy is simple: “Invest in the right solution for where you’re going, not where you are now.” This forward-thinking approach guided a major overhaul of the company’s POS system, despite some initial staff scepticism. Ultimately, the new system provided the technological backbone for handling the data demands of the fast-growing chain.
However, staying on top of tech trends is no easy task. “Technology is evolving so quickly that, even when you make a decision, by the time it’s implemented, 10 better solutions may exist,” Leon says. He emphasises the importance of flexibility and the ability to pivot when necessary: “If you make a wrong decision, raise your hand, talk to leadership and pivot. Just forget it and move on.”
Though technology is a big focus, Leon remains committed to Dave’s original mission: delivering bold flavours through their famous chicken tenders and sliders. He jokes about daring customers to try even a tiny bite of the extreme ‘Reaper’ spice level - it’s not for the faint of heart.
Building a tech foundation for future growth
With more than 200 locations launched in just two years, Dave’s Hot Chicken is rapidly expanding, thanks in large part to the solid technological infrastructure Leon has built. For him, constructing this foundation is much like building a house: “Without a solid foundation, things will eventually start to crack and crumble.”
Now, with that solid base in place, Leon is turning his attention to the future. A major part of his plan involves exploring new Web3.0 technologies, which he believes will revolutionise the way customers interact with brands. “Web1 gave us news and e-commerce. Web2 connected us through social media. Web3.0 will make us all couch potatoes,” he jokes, adding that even in a hyper-digital world, “a couch potato is still going to get hungry.”
Looking forward, Leon is excited about Dave’s Hot Chicken’s upcoming expansion into the UK, promising a massive celebration for the brand’s first location overseas. He’s also overseeing upgrades to the company’s Kitchen Display System and developing a new mobile app, all aimed at enhancing customer experience.
These next steps represent Leon’s vision for keeping Dave’s Hot Chicken at the forefront of both technology and the competitive food market. As he steers the company towards even greater success, Leon continues to show that the right tech strategy can drive both innovation and growth.
Read the full story HERE.
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