Layne's Chicken Fingers Expands by 110% with New Franchisees in 2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers Doubles Footprint in 2025

In a remarkable display of growth, Layne's Chicken Fingers, a beloved chicken finger franchise, wrapped up 2025 with a stunning 110% increase in its footprint, doubling its restaurant locations to reach 40 units. This expansion is not just a numerical success but a reflection of the brand's commitment to exceptional service and community engagement.

Entering 2026, the franchise has fortified its status as a leading player in the competitive fast-food industry, welcoming ten new franchisees into its system. This strategic move is a significant step towards achieving its visionary goal of 300 locations by the year 2030.

A significant analysis from Restaurant Business highlighted Layne's impressive performance, listing it at number six on the Future 50 list for 2025—a ranking that underscores its effective growth and strong system-wide sales figures. The report indicated that Layne’s witnessed a 50% year-over-year unit increase alongside a remarkable 67% rise in systemwide sales, equating to $30 million in revenue. Such results place Layne's Chicken Fingers among the nation's fastest-growing franchise concepts.

Garrett Reed, the CEO, expressed pride in the franchise's accomplishments, stating, "In the past year, we opened 21 restaurants, marking a 110% growth over the previous year. We have also seen increases in average unit volumes across the system, which is a testament to our brand’s growing popularity."

The franchise’s growth narrative includes a significant development—a monumental 44-unit agreement facilitated by its franchise owners. In addition, major expansions were achieved by franchisees in Wisconsin, who opened 15 new units. The brand has attracted franchisees from other prominent fast-food chains like Wendy's and Arby’s, showcasing Layne's vibrant appeal in the market.

To bolster its expanding operational capabilities, Layne's has made key executive appointments, including Natalie Hurley as Vice President of Brand Marketing and Cuyler Esposito as Vice President of Culture and Operations. Furthermore, Alex Camp has been promoted to Vice President of Operations Services, as part of a broader effort to enhance franchisee support and operational efficiency.

Samir Wattar, the Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the franchise's commitment to not just expanding numerically but providing robust support to its franchisees. “From our inception, our mission was not solely to sell franchises but to build an organization that delivers exceptional services to our franchisees, a goal we have diligently pursued every year. Our manpower growth has remained aligned with our restaurant expansion, ensuring we have a strong support system in place,” he noted.

As Layne's Chicken Fingers gears up for 2026, they anticipate an additional 40 restaurant openings. The company is focused on continued revenue growth and thoughtful expansion of its footprint while maintaining a strong alignment with its franchisees and a commitment to its core values. The brand aims to solidify its presence in the chicken segment with a dedicated team focused on strategic national growth.

Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, the original Layne's location quickly gained legendary status among locals, known for its friendly service and iconic chicken fingers served with a secret sauce that keeps customers coming back. With franchise opportunities ranging from $451,500 to $1,050,000, Layne's is an attractive prospect for aspiring business owners looking to step into the restaurant industry.

For those interested in franchising opportunities, they can learn more through Layne's official resources, as the brand continues to grow, evolve, and leave a mark on the American fast-food landscape.