image description — Dave’s Hot Chicken will open late next week at 685 Merrill Road in Pittsfield.

Dave's Hot Chicken Coming to Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:02AM / Friday, October 02, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A chicken shop soon will open on Merrill Road.

Representatives from Dave's Hot Chicken confirmed that the restaurant plans to open a location late next week at 685 Merrill Road. The space now has a bright, new sign for the business, located in the The Shops at Unkamet Brook.

The fast-casual chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken and also serves sliders, appetizers, vegetarian options, shakes, and drinks.

According to the company's website, Dave's Hot Chicken was launched in 2017 by four friends in East Hollywood and now has hundreds of locations across the United States. This will be the first in Berkshire County; there is also a Dave's Hot Chicken in Hadley.

The Shops at Unkamet Brook storefront formerly housed El Habanero Mexican Grill, which opened and closed within the last five years. Papa Gino's occupied the space prior to that for nearly 50 years before closing in 2021.

Dave's Hot Chicken is one of several eateries to recently open in Pittsfield.

Three restaurants opened on North Street over the summer: Aura Coffee and Cocktails at 41 North St., The Grand, across the street at 156 North St., and Sanctum Gallery Cafe at 146 North St.

Tags: Pittsfield, restaurant, restaurant chain,

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Pittsfield Holiday Inn Temporarily Closes

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:02PM / Thursday, October 08, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Holiday Inn & Suites is temporarily shut down, and 101 Restaurant & Bar has closed its doors until further notice.

The hotel has been closed since Sept. 25, after its last working elevator of three broke down. The Berkshire Eagle reported that guests were forced to evacuate because an elevator broke down.

On Wednesday, 101 Restaurant & Bar posted on Facebook that they would close until further notice due to circumstances beyond their control and the closure of the Holiday Inn.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We thank you and our staff for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as we are able," the owners wrote.

The central downtown, 12-story hotel has nearly 180 guest rooms. Massachusetts requires public multi-level buildings and facilities to have elevator access.

The Holiday Inn recently demolished its crumbling parking garage and is replacing it with a smaller one. The building at 1 West Street was constructed in 1972; it was formerly known as the Crowne Plaza.

101 Restaurant opened five years ago within the hotel. It is owned by John and Tucker McNinch, who formerly operated the Olde Heritage Tavern in Lenox.

Signs on the hotel's entrance explain that the doors are temporarily locked. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call (413) 499-2000.

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