Chicken Salad Chick Celebrates Record Franchise Growth and Future Expansion Plans

In an exciting development for the fast-casual dining sector, Chicken Salad Chick concluded 2025 on a high note, showcasing unprecedented franchise growth that lays a solid groundwork for further expansion in 2026. The brand, which stands alone as the only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept in the nation, reported nearly 100 new franchise agreements in 2025, thereby achieving its most successful year in terms of both new franchise deals and location openings. A total of 42 new restaurants were inaugurated across 13 states, signifying a robust demand for Chicken Salad Chick's offerings and the effectiveness of its franchise model.

The surge in growth can be attributed to both new entrants and existing franchisees, with 17 current partners extending their reach into additional markets while 12 new franchisees joined the ranks. Notably, Chicken Salad Chick continues to attract experienced multi-unit operators, ranking impressively in the top 94th percentile by averaging four units per agreement. This strategic approach has not only yielded strong unit-level performance but has also facilitated an intelligent expansion into markets with significant potential nationwide.

The year 2025 saw an acceleration in geographic growth for Chicken Salad Chick, introducing five new states—Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah—for franchise development. The company celebrated the opening of its first restaurants in both Kansas and Maryland, thereby solidifying its national footprint. Florida stood out with nine new locations while Texas followed closely behind with seven new units, indicating the brand's popularity. Markets like Kansas, Maryland, and New Mexico have emerged as promising territories with impressive early results.

The success of Chicken Salad Chick in 2025 was driven by a deliberate, relationship-centric growth strategy centered on collaboration with proven operators. This selective approach has resonated well with sophisticated multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees, who are eager to associate with a scalable brand backed by operational support. By aligning thoughtful market selection with seasoned franchise operators, Chicken Salad Chick has fostered a distinctive and authentic concept that boasts robust unit economics and a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

In addition to financial achievements, Chicken Salad Chick's remarkable year was further highlighted by various industry accolades, including recognition as a Top Food Franchise, Most Profitable Franchise, Top Culture Franchise, and ranking among the Top Franchises for Women in 2025. Such honors not only underscore the brand's outstanding performance but also reflect its ongoing commitment to supporting franchisers' success.

“We don’t waste time mimicking others; we concentrate on being ourselves,” commented Mark Verges, Chicken Salad Chick's Vice President of Franchise Development. “This means offering the finest chicken salad with heartfelt hospitality inside clean and inviting restaurants while consistently improving our service. Our mission revolves around spreading joy, enriching lives, and serving others daily. I am looking forward to what lies ahead for Chicken Salad Chick as we gear up for our next growth phase.”

Looking to 2026, the recent signings of franchise agreements affirm the growing interest Chicken Salad Chick is experiencing across the Midwest, Mountain West, and Western U.S. regions. The brand has planned an enterprising route entering new territories, including the Northeast and select Midwest markets, leveraging partnerships with trusted franchisees capable of instilling solid regional foundations that will support sustainable growth.

With an established track record in both emerging and established markets, Chicken Salad Chick presents an attractive opportunity for experienced multi-unit operators. Its strong corporate strategy and loyal customer base enable franchisees to forge meaningful community connections, maintain consistent guest experiences, and cultivate a positive working environment.

As the first half of 2025 drew to a close, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated a series of grand openings nationwide, reinforcing its position as a leader in the fast-casual dining landscape. The brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, community involvement, and operational support has fueled its momentum, with plans for numerous additional locations currently in the works.

Acknowledged as an exceptional franchise system, Chicken Salad Chick has repeatedly been recognized by esteemed sources, including being named one of QSR magazine's Best Franchise Deals for four consecutive years, while also achieving #3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. The brand earned recognition in Franchise Times' Top 400 Ranking, landing at position 158 for 2025.

To discover more about opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick, visit Chicken Salad Chick Franchising.

About Chicken Salad Chick: Founded in Auburn, Alabama in 2008 by Stacy and Kevin Brown, Chicken Salad Chick specializes in high-quality, Southern-style chicken salad served with a side of genuine hospitality. With an extensive menu featuring over a dozen chicken salad flavors, fresh salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and delectable desserts, Chicken Salad Chick caters to a wide range of customer preferences. Today, there are over 325 locations across 22 states, and the company is poised for continued growth under the leadership of Scott Deviney and his dedicated team in Atlanta. The brand has received numerous accolades, including rankings in Franchise Times' Top 400, QSR's Best Franchise Deals, and Nation's Restaurant News' 2024 Top 500, spotlighting some of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S. by total sales.