Dave's Hot Chicken

Hot Chicken for Everyone — Order Online Without Barriers

  • Compliance

    WCAG 2.1 AA

    Compliance Achieved

  • Website + Ordering

    Full Flow Audited

  • Real Users

    Tested with Disabled Testers

The Challenge

Dave's Hot Chicken has grown from a parking lot pop-up to one of the fastest-growing fast casual restaurant chains in the country, with hundreds of locations and a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Dave's Hot Chicken has grown from a parking lot pop-up to one of the fastest-growing fast casual restaurant chains in the country, with hundreds of locations and a fiercely loyal fanbase. As the brand scaled its digital presence, online ordering became a primary revenue channel — and a critical touchpoint for customers who prefer to order ahead, customize their meals, and skip the line.


As ADA Title III lawsuits targeting restaurant websites and online ordering platforms surged across the fast casual industry, Dave's Hot Chicken recognized that their website and ordering flow needed to be evaluated and remediated. Beyond the legal risk, the brand's identity — built on bold flavors and broad appeal — demanded a digital experience that was genuinely accessible to every customer who craved their chicken.



For a brand moving at the speed of Dave's Hot Chicken's growth, accessibility couldn't be an afterthought on the website or in the ordering flow. They needed a partner who could work efficiently and verify results — not just hand over a report.

The Inclusive Web Solution

Inclusive Web conducted a human-led WCAG 2.1 AA audit of the Dave's Hot Chicken website and online ordering flow, evaluating every step of the customer journey — from menu browsing and item customization through order building, location selection, and checkout.

Our team prioritized the ordering flow as the highest-impact area for both customer experience and legal risk, developing developer-ready remediation guidance that Dave's digital team could act on immediately. Every fix was verified before sign-off, and real-user testing confirmed the ordering experience works for customers who rely on assistive technologies.

  • Human-led WCAG 2.1 AA audit of the full Dave's Hot Chicken website and online ordering flow

  • Menu browsing, item customization, spice level selection, order building, and checkout all evaluated

  • Accessibility review of restaurant-specific ordering components — customization modals, upsell prompts, and cart management

  • Location finder and hours information accessibility review

  • Prioritized remediation roadmap by customer impact and ADA legal risk

  • Developer-ready guidance appropriate to the ordering platform's architecture

  • Fix verification — every resolved issue confirmed working before sign-off

  • Real-user testing with testers who identify as disabled, validating the full ordering experience using screen readers, keyboard navigation, and voice control

  • Ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance as the menu, promotions, and ordering platform evolve

Real-User Accessibility Testing — Validated Before the First Guest Arrives

Inclusive Web tested the Dave's Hot Chicken website and ordering flow with testers who identify as disabled and rely on assistive technologies daily — including screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), keyboard-only navigation, and voice control. For a fast casual brand, this means confirming that a customer with a disability can browse the menu, customize their order, and complete checkout with the same speed and ease as any other customer.

The Result

WCAG 2.1 AA compliance achieved across the Dave's Hot Chicken website and online ordering flow

Full ordering journey — menu browsing, customization, cart, and checkout — accessible to customers relying on assistive technologies

Restaurant-specific ordering components including customization modals and cart management made fully accessible

Location finder and restaurant information accessible to screen reader and keyboard-only users

ADA Title III legal exposure substantially reduced

Real-user testing confirmed that customers with disabilities can order their favorite menu items with complete independence

Ongoing monitoring in place to protect compliance as the menu expands and the ordering platform is updated

"Dave's is for everyone. Our food brings people together, and our website should do the same. Inclusive Web made sure every customer — regardless of ability — can get their fix online."

VP of Digital, Dave's Hot Chicken

Services Delivered

WCAG 2.1 AA Audit (Website & Online Ordering Flow)

Remediation Verification

Full Customer Ordering Journey Audit

Real-User Usability Testing

Restaurant Menu & Customization Accessibility Review

Ongoing Accessibility Monitoring

Compliance & Brand Drivers

Federal obligations and public expectations that made this work essential.

ADA Title III Legal Risk Mitigation

WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

Brand Inclusivity & Customer Access

Restaurant Digital Property Compliance

Is your restaurant's online ordering experience accessible to every customer who's hungry?

Inclusive Web helps hospitality brands ensure every guest — regardless of ability — can discover, book, and enjoy their experience from the first digital interaction.

Get Your Accessibility Assessment