Chicken Salad Chick Rapidly Grows Its Presence Across Florida with New Franchise Agreements

Chicken Salad Chick Expands Its Florida Footprint

In an exciting move for the fast-casual dining industry, Chicken Salad Chick, a unique restaurant chain specializing in chicken salad, is intensifying its presence in Florida. The company has unveiled three new franchise agreements, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy throughout the Southeastern United States. This growth not only demonstrates the brand's potential in thriving markets but also highlights its commitment to community-focused dining.

New Franchise Agreements

The newly signed agreements involve a diverse group of entrepreneurs who will introduce Chicken Salad Chick to more customers, reflecting the brand's mission of spreading goodwill through its signature hospitality. Owners Cathy and James Brown, alongside Allison and Stuart Gibson in Viera, will leverage their extensive franchising experience and connections to integrate the restaurant into the local community. The Browns, who have deep roots in franchising and a strong belief in service-driven values, are eager to deliver their expertise to their customers.

Additionally, the Lakeland franchise will be spearheaded by Holly and Chris Eakes. With Holly’s experience cultivated in her father's restaurant business and Chris’s operational knowledge from his role at BayCare Health System, the couple is poised to make a significant impact on the Largo community. Their combined backgrounds in hospitality will ensure that guests receive exceptional service, solidifying Chicken Salad Chick as a new favorite.

Lastly, The Foundry Group plans to launch twelve new locations in Orlando, emphasizing the brand's business model that prioritizes consistency and quality. Their unique blend of art and science in business operations is expected to resonate well with patrons in Central Florida.

The Growing Demand for Chicken Salad Chick

The key to Chicken Salad Chick's success lies in its ability to attract seasoned operators who see the potential in its community-driven concept. Florida, already a top market for restaurant growth, has proven itself to be a hotspot for Chicken Salad Chick, which has opened six new locations within the state in 2025 alone. Furthermore, the company has set its sights on developing an additional thirteen stores throughout Florida, further solidifying its commitment to expansion in this vibrant region.

Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, expressed his excitement about partnering with these experienced franchisees. He noted that their unique skills and passion for the company would propel Chicken Salad Chick’s growth in Florida, a state known for its active dining scene.

Accolades and Achievements

The brand's focus on quality food and community engagement not only fuels its expansion but also garners industry recognition. In 2025, Chicken Salad Chick was named one of QSR Magazine's Best Franchise Deals for the fourth year in a row, and it ranks third in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Furthermore, it maintains a strong presence in Franchise Times' Top 400 ranking, coming in at 158.

Chicken Salad Chick is on track to continue its substantial growth, seeing a remarkable 13% year-over-year increase in unit count. System-wide sales topped $394.2 million in 2024, showcasing the brand's healthy financial trajectory. With fresh plans to enter new markets, including several states with high economic potential, the company aims to break records with new franchise deals.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Chicken Salad Chick expands across Florida, it remains focused on providing heartfelt service and delicious, scratch-made chicken salad. With over a dozen unique flavors complemented by fresh sides and desserts, the brand caters to diverse customer preferences, ensuring something for everyone.

With dedicated entrepreneurs leading this expansion, Chicken Salad Chick is not just growing its footprint but also enhancing community ties in Florida. The brand’s commitment to operational support and quality service will surely pave the way for its continued success in the fast-casual dining landscape. For more information on franchise opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick, visit their official website.