Vancouver’s cult-favourite fried chicken brand DL Chicken is officially arriving in Toronto, opening at 538 Manning Avenue on March 20th. The opening marks the brand’s first expansion outside of British Columbia, bringing its beloved Nashville hot chicken to the city for the first time.

Founded by hospitality entrepreneur Doug Stephen, DL Chicken has built a devoted following in Vancouver since its debut. Known for its bold take on Nashville hot chicken, the brand quickly became one of the city’s most talked-about casual dining spots, regularly drawing lineups for its signature fried chicken sandwiches and comfort-driven sides.
The Food
Inspired by the heat and flavour of Nashville hot chicken, DL Chicken’s menu centers around crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwiches layered with bold spice levels.

Guests can choose from a range of spice levels, from mild warmth to the fiery signature heat that defines Nashville hot chicken, allowing diners to tailor the experience to their preferred intensity.
The menu remains intentionally focused, highlighting the chicken itself while pairing it with indulgent comfort-food sides that fans love, including fries, creamy mac and cheese, and other classic accompaniments.

To celebrate the Toronto opening, the restaurant will also debut a new sando created exclusively for the city, offering a local twist on the brand’s signature fried chicken sandwich.
The Space
The Toronto location features an intimate 20-seat dining room, with plans to introduce a patio and private dining room in the near future as the concept continues to grow in the city.

To mark its arrival, DL Chicken will also give away 100 OG Sandos to the first 100 guests on March 24 at 11:00 a.m. (limit one per person while supplies last), with additional social media giveaways planned throughout the opening month.

As always, you can keep up with new restaurant openings and local food spots across Toronto and the GTA on efosa.
About DL Chicken Toronto
DL Chicken was founded by Toronto native Doug Stephen, a longtime hospitality professional who built an illustrious career in the city’s restaurant scene before relocating to Vancouver. The brand first launched in 2018 on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, quickly becoming one of the city’s most talked-about casual dining spots. Now, with its Toronto opening, Stephen brings the concept back to his hometown in a full-circle moment for the brand.
Restaurant Information
Name: DL Chicken
Location: 538 Manning Avenue, Toronto
Socials
Restaurant Hours
- Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm