Drake, the Canadian singer, rapper, and actor, is turning 39, and somehow, we’re the ones getting the gift. In celebration of the rapper’s birthday, Dave’s Hot Chicken, the fiery fried-chicken chain he famously invested in back in 2021, is giving away free sliders to anyone who shows up on Thursday, October 23, the day before the artist’s actual birthday. No strings, no coupons, no secret passwords. Just walk in, scan the app, and claim your freebie. Happy birthday, Drake!
The promotion marks the third year the brand has celebrated its most famous investor’s birthday by flipping the tables on the gift-giving. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, fans can grab a free slider or tender at any Dave’s Hot Chicken location nationwide. All you need is the chain’s mobile app and a quick check-in at the counter.
Drake’s Birthday Means Free Lunch at Dave’s Hot Chicken
It’s an easy win for fans of both the artist and the brand, which has exploded from a late-night pop-up in a Los Angeles parking lot to more than 200 locations across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Known for its Nashville-style heat and cult-level following, Dave’s specializes in juicy, crispy chicken seasoned in seven spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.” Each sandwich comes piled with pickles, kale slaw, and Dave’s signature sauce on a toasted brioche bun, exactly the kind of over-the-top indulgence you’d expect from a place that counts Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Strahan among its investors.
The birthday giveaway has become something of an annual tradition, and judging by the social chatter, fans are here for it. On last year’s free-slider day, lines stretched down blocks in cities from L.A. to Chicago. This year’s deal is expected to pull an even bigger crowd, thanks to the brand’s rapid expansion and the enduring power of Drake’s name.
Beyond the free food, it’s a pretty sharp bit of marketing. According to the company’s press release, “Each year, millions of fans visit us and post on social media about how Dave’s Hot Chicken blows their mind,” said Bill Phelps, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s CEO. “We want to continue this tradition of taking care of our fans while celebrating our most famous investor, Drake. We hope everyone both at home and abroad will come out on October 23 for a slider on us.”
If you’re wondering what the catch is, there isn’t one. Download the app, show up in person, and claim one free slider or tender. You can even choose your heat level (though beware the “Reaper” if you plan to keep your taste buds intact). Drinks and sides aren’t included, but let’s be honest: a free slider from one of the hottest chicken chains in the country is more than enough reason to stop by.
Drake hasn’t said publicly how he plans to celebrate his own birthday, but his fans already have plans of their own: eating hot chicken on his dime. So, thanks, Drake—and happy birthday. See you in line.
