#United States #Las Vegas #franchise #Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick Makes Its Mark in Nevada

The beloved fast-casual restaurant, Chicken Salad Chick, is embarking on an exciting new venture with the launch of its first six locations in Nevada. This expansion signals a significant step for the brand as they continue to grow beyond the Southeast into burgeoning markets like the Southwest.

Expansion Details

The Las Vegas metropolitan area has been chosen for this bold move, with the franchise agreement led by an experienced husband-and-wife duo, Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba. Both are native to Las Vegas and have built careers in hospitality, marketing, and education. Their commitment to introducing Chicken Salad Chick's scratch-made menu and a community-centric approach is evident in their mission statement: to build a business that embodies the values of community and connection.

Mark Rubalcaba brings years of leadership experience from his time at MGM Resorts International, while Cayla aligns her extensive hospitality training from the same esteemed company with her background in education. Their partnership reflects a strong desire to create a vibrant local business that resonates with the values that initially drew them to the brand during their college years at Auburn University.

Mark states, "Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand's continued growth nationwide," highlighting their dedication to a community-focused establishment.

A Strategic Move

The selection of Nevada as a growth state fits within Chicken Salad Chick's strategic development plan initiated in 2025. This plan also spotlights expansions into other states such as Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Notably, this initiative aligns with the brand's commitment to growth in high-potential Western markets, illustrating their commitment to becoming an established name on a national level.

According to Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, "The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand. Expanding into Nevada marks a key milestone in our westward development strategy." The Rubalabas, with their rich local knowledge and strong community ties, are ideal partners for this expansion vision.

Building Community Connections

The Rubalabas' story is one of resilience and determination, drawing from their past as NCAA Division I athletes which instilled discipline and drive in both of them. With a strategic partner aiding their development efforts, Cayla's father, Anton Nikodemus, joins the venture as a seasoned hospitality executive. This multigenerational approach enhances the prospect of success as they pool their diverse experiences together.

As Chicken Salad Chick enters these new territories, their community ethos remains at the forefront of their operations. They are committed to not just establishing restaurants but creating local connections that will foster growth and loyalty among patrons.

Proven Success

In 2025 alone, Chicken Salad Chick awarded almost 100 new restaurant deals and celebrated 42 openings across various states. Recognitions from industry authorities, including placement in QSR Magazine's Best Franchise Deals list and Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers, signal a brand on the rise in both emerging and established markets.

The combination of a robust corporate strategy, coupled with a loyal customer base, empowers franchisees to hone in on nurturing community ties while ensuring quality guest experiences.

With over 325 locations in 22 states, Chicken Salad Chick is steadily becoming synonymous with quality Southern-style chicken salad, offering an extensive menu that extends beyond chicken salads to include sides, gourmet soups, and desserts. Founded in Auburn, Alabama in 2008, the chain’s growth trajectory is attributed to a focus on customer satisfaction and community engagement.

For those seeking opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick, further information can be found on their official franchise website.

Conclusion

As Chicken Salad Chick sets up its roots in Nevada, it symbolizes more than just a restaurant chain; it represents a vision of community, quality, and hospitality values that align beautifully with Las Vegas's dynamic culture. The Rubalabas are poised to create a lasting impact that blends the brand’s legacy with their own local insights.