Chicken Salad Chick’s growth in the West is gaining momentum, and Arizona is quickly becoming one of the brand’s most exciting new markets. The Way family has signed on to develop eight Chicken Salad Chick restaurants across the Scottsdale and Northeast Phoenix area, bringing the brand’s made-from-scratch favorites and warm hospitality to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Michael Way brings a unique blend of business leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, and development experience to the Chicken Salad Chick franchise system. Based in Queen Creek, Arizona, Michael currently serves as an Arizona State Representative for Legislative District 15 and leads business development for a national charter school organization.
His professional background includes guiding new schools from concept to opening, along with construction leadership through a family-owned company. That experience gives him a strong foundation in the many moving pieces of multi-unit development, from planning and execution to team leadership and community relationships.
Michael and his wife, Raimee, describe family as the center of every major decision they make. They understand the importance of building spaces where families feel welcomed and cared for, and that family-first mindset is a natural fit for Chicken Salad Chick.
Jordan and Madalyne Way also bring strong leadership, operations, and hospitality experience to the family’s Chicken Salad Chick venture.
Jordan has led operations supporting more than 30,000 students across multiple states through Charter One and American Leadership Academy, providing oversight as well as helping grow a national network of charter schools. He also brings valuable real estate and development experience, and as a former business owner, Jordan understands what it takes to build and grow a company successfully.
Madalyne’s background adds another important layer to the team. As a family and lifestyle photographer, licensed esthetician, and former hospitality team member, she understands the importance of creating comfortable, meaningful customer experiences.
Together, Jordan and Madalyne bring a balance of operational discipline and personal connection, giving them a strong foundation for building teams, serving guests, and creating the kind of memorable experience Chicken Salad Chick is known for.
Chandler served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an experience he credits with shaping his approach to leadership, discipline, and genuine human connection. That mission taught him how to lead with humility and how to find fulfillment in helping others grow and succeed. Those same qualities, he says, are exactly what he sees in Chicken Salad Chick’s culture.
Chandler describes having a servant’s heart as creating a positive impact through kindness and service. He is focused on building environments where team members feel genuinely valued, where guests are welcomed like family, and where the business grows not just in revenue but in reputation and community trust.
For James and Karly, family is the center of their life and the foundation for the values that guide them personally and professionally.
James brings experience in financial management, customer service, and business growth. His background in e-commerce taught him the importance of making every customer feel important and ensuring each person leaves feeling taken care of.
He also sees community leadership as a serious responsibility. He was raised to understand that your name represents more than yourself: it represents your family, your business, and your neighbors. His long-term goal with Chicken Salad Chick is to build locations recognized as top performers in the system while continuing to invest in team development and local impact.
For the Way family, this opportunity is about more than restaurant growth. It is a chance to build something together, serve local families, create jobs, and bring a brand they believe in to communities they know well.
Those values are also central to Chicken Salad Chick. The brand has built its reputation on more than craveable chicken salad. It is known for its welcoming restaurant environment, made-from-scratch menu, and mission to Spread Joy, Enrich Lives, and Serve Others®.
Learn more** about available franchise opportunities and discover what it could look like to bring Chicken Salad Chick to your community.**
Q: Do I need restaurant experience to become a Chicken Salad Chick franchise owner?
A: While restaurant experience is certainly a plus, it’s not required. Chicken Salad Chick can teach you how to run a thriving restaurant business, but strong leadership skills, experience with managing teams, and a commitment to community involvement is crucial.
Q: What kind of support does Chicken Salad Chick offer its franchise owners?
A: Franchise owners receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including site selection, construction, marketing, training, and ongoing coaching from the corporate team.
Q: How can I learn more about Chicken Salad Chick franchise opportunities?
A: Prospective franchise owners can visit the Chicken Salad Chick franchising website to explore available markets, request information, and connect with the franchise development team.