Chicken Salad Chick is building on its most successful year in brand history with a landmark 25-unit franchise agreement in New York, marking the largest development deal the brand has ever signed. The announcement signals continued momentum as the fast-casual concept strategically expands into high-demand Northeast markets.
Chicken Salad Chick is building strong momentum in 2026. In the first quarter alone, the brand achieved the strongest quarterly franchise development performance in brand history, including:
52 new restaurants sold, marking a nearly 50% year-over-year increase from Q1 2025
7 new franchise groups joined the brand
Continued expansion from existing partners through additional multi-unit agreements
New market growth across Las Vegas, Upstate New York, Phoenix, and Philadelphia
Consistent industry recognition, including QSR magazine’s Best Franchise Deals (four consecutive years), #3 ranking in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, and placement at No. 158 in Franchise Times’ Top 400
This accelerated growth reflects rising demand from sophisticated, multi-unit owners and continued confidence in the brand’s unit economics and scalable model.
“This is a defining start to the year for our brand,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development for Chicken Salad Chick. “Delivering nearly 50% year-over-year growth in Q1 reflects the strength of our model, the quality of our franchise partners, and the increasing demand for a concept built on hospitality, simplicity, and strong unit-level economics.”
The newly signed 25-unit agreement will introduce Chicken Salad Chick to several high-growth markets across New York, including Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Upper Hudson Valley. Together, these markets strategically combine established population centers with emerging communities where demand for fast-casual dining continues to rise.
Chicken Salad Chick’s expansion strategy prioritizes regional clustering, a disciplined approach that focuses on developing multiple locations within a defined area rather than spreading units too thin. By building density in key markets, the brand strengthens local awareness, improves operational efficiencies, and creates a more connected support system for franchisees.
The Northeast has quickly become a focal point for this strategy. Since opening New York and New Jersey for franchise development, the brand has seen strong interest from experienced, multi-unit owners looking to bring a differentiated, community-driven concept to underserved markets.
“New York represents a tremendous growth opportunity, and we’re excited to partner with a seasoned owner to introduce our brand to guests across the state,” said Mark. “Our concept continues to resonate nationwide, consistently meeting or exceeding system AUVs in every new market we enter.”
While this agreement represents a significant portion of New York’s development, select territories across the region remain available, creating a limited window for owners looking to establish an early foothold.
Chicken Salad Chick’s growth is rooted in a concept that resonates across markets: made-from-scratch food, genuine hospitality, and a strong connection to the communities it serves.
The brand’s ability to succeed in both established and emerging markets is driven by:
A highly differentiated menu centered around fresh, Southern-style chicken salad
A hospitality-first culture that creates strong local connections
A proven operating model designed for multi-unit scalability
Comprehensive training and ongoing support at every stage of ownership
With a record-breaking start to 2026 and a development pipeline that continues to expand, Chicken Salad Chick is well-positioned for sustained, strategic growth in the years ahead.
If you are exploring franchise ownership, Chicken Salad Chick offers a proven model backed by strong performance, thoughtful expansion, and a community-first approach. Learn more about how to get started today!
Q: How was Chicken Salad Chick performing heading into 2026?
A: Chicken Salad Chick is coming off a record-breaking 2025, awarding nearly 100 franchise agreements and opening 42 new restaurants across 14 states, and has carried that momentum into 2026 with one of the strongest starts in its history.
Q: Why is the Northeast an important growth region for Chicken Salad Chick?
A: The Northeast represents a strong opportunity for expansion due to its dense population, established communities, and demand for high-quality, fast-casual dining concepts.
Q: Are there still franchise opportunities available in New York and the Northeast?
A: Yes, while the 25-unit agreement represents a significant portion of New York’s development, select territories across the region remain available for qualified owners.
Q: How can I learn more about franchise opportunities?
A: Visit the Chicken Salad Chick franchising website to explore available territories and connect with the franchise development team.