For Kendra Greenwood, and sisters Jo Anne Williams and Cindy Sulzman, Chicken Salad Chick isn’t just a restaurant. It’s family, friendship, and a shared dream of bringing something special to their community. Together, they’re building a legacy in the Kansas City metro area, one scoop at a time!
For Kendra, the story started thanks to her son. He discovered Chicken Salad Chick while away at college and quickly became a loyal fan. Every time he came home, he brought chicken salad for the family, and it didn’t take long for everyone to fall in love with it. When they realized there were no locations near Kansas City, his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in.
After filling out an interest form online using Kendra’s husband’s name, he got a call from Julie, Franchise Development Manager at Chicken Salad Chick. From that first conversation, Kendra and her family felt like they had known Julie forever. The brand’s warmth and “in-it-together” mentality made them confident they’d found the right fit. With prayer, preparation, and excitement for a new chapter, they began their journey.
In December 2024, they opened their first location in their hometown of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. The store was the first of three they’ve committed to, and the community has already been asking when and where the next ones will open! Their second location is on track to open by early spring 2026.
Kendra’s journey quickly connected her with fellow Kansas City franchise owners Jo Anne and Cindy. Introduced by Julie, the three women clicked instantly.
The sisters’ path to franchising began back in 2019 when Jo Anne discovered the brand in Destin, Florida. She and Cindy loved the food and the feel of the restaurant. After the pandemic, they decided to jump into this new business adventure together! Cindy brings a marketing flair, Jo Anne brings business savvy, and together, along with Jo Anne’s husband, they’ve created a strong, balanced partnership. They recently opened their first location in Overland Park, Kansas, with plans to open two more in the area by 2026.
When they met Kendra in person, the bond grew even stronger. They often say they all feel like sisters, and it shows in how they show up for each other. They attend each other’s openings, pitch in if someone needs extra hands or inventory, and even decorate in-store Christmas trees for each other when needed! As they put it, “All boats rise in high tides.”
For all three women, franchising with Chicken Salad Chick is about leaving something behind for their families and making a positive impact on their communities.
They see themselves as part of a bigger team - Team Kansas City. Whether on the Missouri or the Kansas side, they know that one store’s success is good for the whole market. They collaborate often, share ideas, and lean on each other for advice and encouragement.
As Kendra, Jo Anne, and Cindy grow their businesses, they remain focused on what brought them here in the first place: a love for the brand, a belief in its mission, and a commitment to serving their communities. With more locations on the horizon and a strong network of support, they’re proving that Chicken Salad Chick is more than a restaurant. It’s a family.
We’re thrilled to have these incredible women as part of the Chicken Salad Chick franchise family and can’t wait to see the joy they’ll continue to spread across the Kansas City metro area!
Interested in bringing Chicken Salad Chick to your community?
Learn more about our franchising opportunities here.