Fast casual restaurant chain Dave Hot’s Chicken has appointed Jim Bitticks as its new CEO, succeeding Bill Phelps, who has led the brand since 2019.

Bitticks has held several leadership positions in the company, including the company’s president and COO, for more than five years. Phelps will become executive chair and remain actively involved in the company as a shareholder.

“Guest sentiment continues to rise, and it starts with Jim’s vision for collaborative operations,” said Phelps. “I’m excited to work alongside Jim and the team as we continue to blow people’s minds with the most incredible hot chicken on the planet.”

Founded in 2017, Dave’s Hot Chicken chain has expanded to nearly 400 units worldwide, including in Canada, the UK and the Middle East.

Last year, Subway’s parent bought Dave’s Hot Chicken in a billion-dollar deal.