Chicken Salad Chick is bringing its made-from-scratch menu and Southern hospitality to two new states this summer. With openings planned in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, the brand is extending its footprint beyond its Southern roots and building momentum across the nation.
Chicken Salad Chick is continuing its expansion beyond the Southeast with first-time openings in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. The new restaurants in Apple Valley and Allentown bring the brand’s footprint to 25 states and strengthen its presence across both the Midwest and Northeast.
These milestones build on several years of accelerated franchise growth:
· More than 340 Chicken Salad Chick restaurants are open nationwide
· Nearly 100 franchise agreements were awarded in 2025
· The brand opened 42 restaurants across 14 states in 2025
· Another 52 restaurants were sold during the first quarter of 2026
With New York, West Virginia, and Michigan expected to join the system, the brand’s national growth is still gaining momentum.
Chicken Salad Chick of Apple Valley is owned by Mike and Mandi Boogerd, longtime residents who have called the community home for 23 years.
Mike previously worked as a product owner in the healthcare industry, while Mandi built her career in special education. Their introduction to Chicken Salad Chick came during a visit to Chicago, where they saw an opportunity to bring a differentiated fast casual restaurant to their home market.
“When we tried Chicken Salad Chick in Chicago, we were instantly hooked,” Mike said. “Not only did the brand have such a unique product, but we recognized an opportunity to introduce something new and exciting to our fellow Minnesotans.”
The Boogerds plan to make community involvement a central part of the restaurant. During pre-opening events, the location raised funds for Messiah Community Food Shelf, which supports families throughout Dakota County.
Chicken Salad Chick of Allentown is owned by Ernest and Amanda Greenford, a husband-and-wife team entering franchising for the first time.
Ernest is a retired U.S. Army Military Intelligence Pilot, and Amanda brings extensive hotel management experience. Amanda grew up with Chicken Salad Chick in Alabama and became a regular guest before moving to Pennsylvania.
After realizing there was no nearby location, the Greenfords decided to introduce the brand to the Lehigh Valley. Their restaurant will be positioned near Lehigh Valley International Airport and Route 22, providing access to commuters, shoppers, local businesses, and catering customers.
The franchisees also supported Hope Rescue Mission through the restaurant’s pre-opening fundraising events.
Chicken Salad Chick’s expansion beyond the Southeast shows how a regionally established concept can enter new markets without losing the hospitality, community involvement, and franchisee relationships that shaped its original success.
Each opening adds another state to the system, but the larger story is about the operators bringing the brand to their own communities. For the Boogerds and Greenfords, franchise ownership provides an opportunity to build a business rooted in local connection, service, and long-term growth.
Learn more about the Chicken Salad Chick franchise opportunity today!
Q: What makes Chicken Salad Chick a strong franchise opportunity in new markets?
Chicken Salad Chick offers a differentiated fast casual concept built around made-from-scratch chicken salad, genuine hospitality, and community involvement. Its continued expansion across the Midwest, Northeast, and Western United States demonstrates that the brand can resonate well beyond its original Southern footprint.
Q: What kind of support does Chicken Salad Chick offer franchise owners?
Support includes site selection assistance, construction guidance, marketing resources, operational training, and ongoing coaching from the franchise team. Owners also benefit from a strong peer network of fellow franchisees.
Q: What type of franchise partners is Chicken Salad Chick looking for?
The brand seeks experienced, growth-minded owners who value community engagement, hospitality, and long-term development.
Q: How can I learn more about franchise opportunities?
Visit the Chicken Salad Chick franchising website to explore available territories and connect with the franchise development team.