075: How Dave's Hot Chicken Builds Culture, Consistency, and Growth with CEO, Jim Bitticks

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper sits down with Jim Bitticks, President and COO of Dave's Hot Chicken, for a deep conversation on leadership, hospitality, team building, and the operational foundations behind some of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the industry. Jim shares how his early experiences from Jack in the Box to Rally's to Carl's Jr., shaped a service philosophy rooted in humility, empathy, and getting to "yes."

He discusses the long-standing team relationships that have followed him across multiple brands, the disciplined but human-centered training systems that enabled rapid scale, and the cultural principles that make growth sustainable. Jim also offers insight into Dave's Hot Chicken's trajectory following its billion-dollar investment, the brand's global expansion efforts, and why strong teams, clear brand ethos, and pride in the work continue to be the drivers of long-term success.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Jim's definition of hospitality and early service influences

• Career path from Jack in the Box to leading major fast-casual brands

• Building cohesive teams and retaining talent across multiple companies

• Key operational principles that enable rapid restaurant growth

• Dave's Hot Chicken's expansion strategy and post-acquisition outlook

Connect with Jim Bitticks:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-bitticks-cfe-0bb37515

https://daveshotchicken.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/daveshotchicken

https://www.instagram.com/daveshotchicken/

https://www.tiktok.com/@daveshotchicken

https://www.facebook.com/ToLiveandFryInLA

https://www.youtube.com/@DavesHotChickenOfficial

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.