A Year Defined by Disciplined Expansion
In 2025, nearly 100 franchise agreements were awarded, marking a record year for new units signed! This growth translated into 42 new restaurant openings across 13 states, expanding the brand’s footprint while maintaining strong operational performance at the unit level.
Chicken Salad Chick also entered two new states this year with openings in Maryland and Kansas, introducing the brand to new communities and reinforcing its ability to grow beyond its Southeast roots.
Where Growth Took Hold
Several regions stood out in 2025 for their strong development momentum:
· Texas and Florida led the way, with Texas opening seven new restaurants and Florida opening nine!
· Continued expansion in Kansas, New Mexico, and Maryland highlighted growing demand in emerging markets
· The brand also opened five new states for franchise opportunities: Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah
Together, these markets reflect a balanced growth strategy that pairs established strongholds with thoughtfully selected new territories.
The Power of the Right Franchise Partners
A key driver of 2025 success was the makeup of Chicken Salad Chick’s franchise system itself!
· 17 existing franchisees expanded into additional territories
· 12 new franchise partners joined the system
This blend of experienced operators and new partners allowed the brand to scale while preserving its culture and standards. In fact, Chicken Salad Chick ranked in the 94th percentile for awarding an average of four units per deal, underscoring its focus on sophisticated multi-unit growth.
Recognition That Reflects the Brand
Chicken Salad Chick’s approach to growth did not go unnoticed in 2025. The brand earned multiple industry accolades, including:
· Top Food Franchise
· Most Profitable Franchise
· Top Culture Franchise
· Top Franchises for Women
These recognitions reflect not only financial performance, but also the culture, support, and community focus that define the Chicken Salad Chick franchise experience.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The momentum built in 2025 is setting the stage for continued expansion in the year ahead. Franchise signings point to growing traction in the Midwest, Mountain West, and Western U.S., creating a strong foundation for expansion beyond the Southeast in 2026.
Next year’s strategy centers on partnering with the right operators as Chicken Salad Chick thoughtfully enters new regions, including the Northeast and select Midwest markets. The focus remains on establishing strong regional foundations that support long-term, sustainable growth.
A Brand Built for Its Next Chapter
“We don’t spend time chasing what others are doing. We stay focused on who we are,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. “That means serving the best chicken salad with genuine hospitality in clean, welcoming restaurants, and continuously refining what works. We’re fortunate to live our mission of spreading joy, enriching lives, and serving others every day.”
“What excites me most about the future of Chicken Salad Chick is how well-positioned the brand is for its next phase of growth,” Verges added. “We’ve built an authentic, highly differentiated concept with strong unit economics, passionate franchisees, and a culture that truly resonates with our guests.”
With a proven model, purpose-driven culture, and a clear growth strategy, Chicken Salad Chick is poised for continued success in 2026 and beyond!
Interested in growing with Chicken Salad Chick? Learn more about franchise opportunities today.
