Chicken Salad Chick has entered two new states in a single month, opening its first restaurants in West Virginia and New York. The dual debut brings the brand to 27 states nationwide and includes its largest franchise development agreement in company history.
Chicken Salad Chick has entered West Virginia for the first time, with its new restaurant now open in Barboursville. The opening makes West Virginia the brand’s 26th state and its first location in the tri-state area, extending Chicken Salad Chick’s reach beyond its Southern roots.
The restaurant is owned and operated by Tammy and Rancie Hannah, longtime guests turned first-time franchise owners. Tammy spent more than 30 years in pharmaceutical sales, while Rancie is a practicing physician specializing in hospice care. As active members in their local community, the Hannahs saw restaurant ownership as a way to build something of their own while staying rooted in the people and places they love.
“I’m so excited to bring Chicken Salad Chick to West Virginia for the first time and expand soon in the tri-state area,” Tammy shared. "What I’m most looking forward to is building meaningful community connections and creating a welcoming space where our guests feel right at home. "
Their agreement already extends beyond state lines. A future location in Ashland, Kentucky, is part of the deal, positioning the Hannahs to serve guests across the entire tri-state region.
Chicken Salad Chick has also opened its first restaurant in New York, with the new location now welcoming guests in Clifton Park. The opening marks two milestones at once: New York becomes the brand’s 27th state, and the market entry comes attached to the largest development agreement in company history.
The 25-unit agreement is with an experienced, multi-unit fast casual franchise group that already operates several national restaurant brands across Upstate New York. Plans call for new locations in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Upper Hudson Valley in the years ahead.
“Entering New York is a major milestone for our brand and represents tremendous growth potential,” said Scott Deviney, CEO and President of Chicken Salad Chick.
With New York, Chicken Salad Chick has now entered five new states in 2026. Experienced operators clearly see opportunity in the brand, and its Southern hospitality is translating to markets far from home.
With more than 345 restaurants systemwide, Chicken Salad Chick’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Adding two new states in a single month is rare for any restaurant brand, and this pace builds on a strong 2025, when the brand awarded nearly 100 franchise agreements and opened 42 restaurants across 14 states.
West Virginia and New York represent two different paths into the system. One is a first-time owner opening a restaurant close to home. The other is a multi-unit group already developing 25 locations across Upstate New York. Together, they show a brand with room for both new and experienced operators, and momentum that keeps reaching new corners of the country.
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Q: How many states is Chicken Salad Chick now open in?
Chicken Salad Chick now operates in 27 states nationwide following its recent entries into West Virginia and New York. With more than 345 restaurants nationwide, Chicken Salad Chick has grown from its Southern roots into new territory across the Midwest, Northeast, and West.
Q: How many new states has Chicken Salad Chick entered in 2026?
New York marks the fifth new state the brand has entered in 2026 alone, following earlier expansions into new markets this year. That pace reflects a broader push to grow beyond Chicken Salad Chick’s Southern roots and build a presence in new regions across the country.
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.