Drake tucks into a plate of Dave's Hot Chicken, and is offering free chicken sliders to America for his birthday on Thursday. Dave's Hot Chicken photo

The birthday of a famous and controversial rapper Thursday could mean free food if you’re in the Visalia area this week.

But Fresno will just miss out on the chicken.

Canadian rap superstar Drake has partnered with Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-style hot chicken franchise, offering free Hot Chicken sliders on Drake’s birthday Oct. 24 — Thursday.

The offer is good 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. that day at all 230 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations.  It is only available inside the store by scanning the reward with the Dave’s Hot Chicken app.

“We love that Drake is choosing to celebrate his birthday with Dave’s guests,” said Bill Phelps, Dave’s Hot Chicken’s CEO. “As this brand expands from coast-to-coast and abroad, it’s the authenticity of the food, founders, team members and investors, like Drake, which ensure we’ll continue to blow peoples’ minds.”

The Central Valley’s first Dave’s Hot Chicken location opened in Visalia on March 24, 2023, opened by Sacramento franchise owner Martha Olmos.

A Fresno location is in the works at the former Burger King building near Fashion Fair mall, possibly opening later this year or early next year, according to Bethany Clough from The Fresno Bee.

Too late for free chicken from Drake.

Drake was in the headlines this past year for his high-profile beef with another rap superstar, Kendrick Lamar, with many fans taking sides in the war of words and competing songs.