Chicken Sandwich Wars Give Way to Cauliflower Showdown in Fast Food
In 2019, Popeyes ignited the chicken sandwich wars, sparking fierce competition with Chick-fil-A and boosting sales for both. Over 20 American fast-food brands joined in, leading to a 420% surge in online spending on chicken sandwiches by December 2020.
Cauliflower Emerges: A New Fast Food Battle
The fast-casual dining industry, once dominated by chicken sandwiches, is now witnessing a cauliflower showdown. Chick-fil-A took an early step by testing the Cauliflower Sandwich in select markets, receiving positive feedback from 68% of customers.
Dave’s Hot Chicken Joins the Fray
Dave’s Hot Chicken, based in Los Angeles, enters the cauliflower showdown with "Dave’s Not Chicken," its first meatless option available in 180 locations nationwide.
Dave’s Not Chicken: A Cauliflower-Powered Innovation
Founded in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken gained popularity with its Nashville-style hot chicken. Now, with "Dave’s Not Chicken," the brand explores a meatless option, responding to a passionate fanbase's request for a plant-based alternative.
Dave’s Not Chicken introduces sliders and bites made from cauliflower, a departure from plant-based chicken alternatives. The founders opted for fresh cauliflower, sliced by hand, avoiding processed options and providing a real vegetable experience.
Meatless, but Not Vegan
While "Dave’s Not Chicken" centers on cauliflower, it's not vegan due to the inclusion of dairy and egg ingredients in the batter and bun. Despite this, the move signifies a notable exploration of cauliflower as a substitute for chicken.
Cauliflower’s Rise in Popularity
Dave’s Hot Chicken tested cauliflower options in Oregon, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback similar to Chick-fil-A's experience. The success influenced the decision to include "Dave’s Not Chicken" on the national menu.
Strategic Expansion
With successful expansion to 180 locations, Dave’s Hot Chicken exceeded its goal of operating 170 units by the end of 2023. "Dave’s Not Chicken" becomes a critical move for the brand's overall growth strategy.
Future Possibilities
While focused on cauliflower, Dave’s Hot Chicken remains open to expanding its plant-based offerings. The spokesperson expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing a balance between innovation and quality in considering new menu items.
Unique Advertising Strategies
To ensure the meatless sandwich stands out in the cauliflower showdown, Dave’s Hot Chicken adopts unique advertising strategies. This includes changing signage at 16 locations to "Dave’s Not Chicken" and creating a striking 3D billboard in Los Angeles, a prime ad space near the convention center.
As the fast-food landscape evolves, the cauliflower showdown represents a shift towards plant-based options, challenging traditional norms in the industry. While "Dave’s Not Chicken" enters the fray, the future may see more innovations as fast-food chains navigate the delicate balance between tradition and adaptation.
