Dave's Hot Chicken Plans New Helena Location
The popular chain eyes a spot in the former Shopko building on North Montana Avenue.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Dining Out
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Dave's Hot Chicken has submitted plans to open a new restaurant at 3101 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. The proposed project would occupy space within the former Shopko building, which is being redeveloped into six separate tenant areas.
Why it matters
The arrival of Dave's Hot Chicken in Helena would expand the brand's presence in Montana, adding to its existing locations in Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls. This move represents a significant step in the ongoing revitalization of the vacant retail property.
The proposed restaurant site at 3101 N. Montana Ave. features a seating capacity for 55 people. The overall redevelopment plan divides the former Shopko structure into six distinct leasable tenant spaces.
The players
Dave's Hot Chicken
A growing restaurant chain known for its Nashville-style hot chicken that currently operates locations in Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls.
The details
The project is valued at $450,000 and is currently undergoing the city's formal review process. Other confirmed tenants in the redeveloped building include Dunham's Sports, Boot Barn, and Sport Clips.
Timeline
Shopko closed its locations in 2019.
Redevelopment of the former Shopko building began in 2026.
Culture Shift
This move follows the national retail real estate trend of repurposing large, vacant big-box stores into dynamic multi-tenant shopping centers. Such projects demonstrate how communities are revitalizing commercial infrastructure that has been stagnant since the 2019 retail contraction.
Residents in Helena can anticipate a new dining option once the city completes its review and construction finishes. The addition of Dave's Hot Chicken will bring another national brand to the North Montana Avenue retail corridor.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former Shopko property illustrates the ongoing shift in commercial real estate toward multi-tenant layouts. Local diners should keep an eye on official city announcements regarding the development's completion timeline.
Further reading
For more information on local restaurant developments, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVH.
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