Chicken Salad Chick: Expanding to Five New States for Franchise Growth

In the fast-casual dining world, Chicken Salad Chick is making headlines with its ambitious expansion plans. The beloved restaurant, recognized as the only dedicated fast-casual chicken salad restaurant in America, aims to enhance its footprint by entering five new states: Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. This strategic move comes at a time when the food service sector is forecasted to reach an impressive $1.5 trillion in sales by 2025. As consumer spending at dining establishments rises, Chicken Salad Chick is poised to take advantage of emerging markets with robust population growth.

Mark Verges, the Vice President of Franchise Development, expressed his excitement about this expansion, emphasizing the unique opportunities it presents for potential franchise owners. “These five states represent some of the most exciting growth opportunities in our brand's history,” he noted. With its efficient operations, adaptability in various markets, and commitment to warm hospitality, Chicken Salad Chick has laid a robust foundation for scalable growth. The brand seeks experienced franchisees who are ready to hit the ground running and bring something special to their communities.

The strategically chosen markets—Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, suburban New York, and Utah—are identified as ripe for development. The growth of these regions is backed by a favorable business environment and a demographic that is embracing fast-casual dining experiences. From the bustling metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Las Vegas to the suburban markets of New Jersey and New York, Chicken Salad Chick is ready to cater to an audience eager for quality dining options.

Throughout the early months of 2025, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated multiple successful openings nationwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the competitive fast-casual segment. Not just expanding in numbers, the brand has also been recognized for its quality service and strong community engagement. It was listed among QSR magazine's Best Franchise Deals for the fourth consecutive year and ranked #3 in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers, further revealing its clout in the industry.

Financially, Chicken Salad Chick reported an impressive $394.2 million in system-wide sales in the previous fiscal year, alongside a 13% increase in unit count year-over-year. The growth trajectory appears promising, with the brand projecting even higher sales as it pushes into new markets. According to the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the brand achieved a remarkable average unit volume (AUV) of $1.5 million and witnessed a significant 38% sales increase compared to 2021.

As Chicken Salad Chick continues to identify further target states for expansion—such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Minnesota—the emphasis remains on sustaining its commitment to delivering heartfelt service alongside fresh food offerings. The established customer loyalty partnered with a strong corporate strategy equips franchisees to concentrate on community-building and ensuring an impressive dining experience for guests.

Founded in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, Chicken Salad Chick has now expanded to more than 307 locations across 22 states. The brand has garnered numerous accolades and recognition, including being ranked No. 134 on Nation's Restaurant News' 2024 Top 500 list. Their expansive menu features a variety of chicken salads, gourmet soups, and delectable desserts, all made from scratch, elucidating the brand's dedication to quality.

For those interested in joining the Chicken Salad Chick family as franchise owners, more details can be found on their franchising website. As 2025 unfolds, the enthusiastic expansion into these five newly targeted states marks a pivotal chapter in Chicken Salad Chick's growth story, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the fast-casual dining landscape. By addressing the needs of local markets and ensuring a stellar dining experience, Chicken Salad Chick is set to thrive in what promises to be a dynamic year ahead.

Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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