Chicken Salad Chick accelerates its US franchise expansion after crossing 350 restaurants, with nearly 350 more locations in its development pipeline.
US-based fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick has surpassed 350 restaurants across 27 states, marking another milestone in its nationwide expansion. The Georgia-headquartered brand has awarded more than 100 franchise units in 2026 so far, building on a record year of franchise development in 2025.
The expansion has taken the brand into five new states this year: Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia. A major development driver is a 25-unit franchise agreement for upstate New York, the largest development deal in the company’s history. The agreement covers Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and the Upper Hudson Valley.
Chicken Salad Chick’s Pennsylvania expansion includes locations in Allentown, Collegeville and South Pittsburgh, while its West Virginia development includes Barboursville and South Charleston. The company is also targeting further growth across the Northeast, where it sees opportunities for additional franchise partnerships.
The latest milestone follows a strong 2025, when Chicken Salad Chick awarded nearly 100 franchise agreements and opened 42 restaurants across 13 states. Seventeen existing franchisees expanded their portfolios, while 12 new franchise groups joined the network.
Franchise development has continued at pace in 2026. The company sold 52 additional restaurant units in the first quarter, representing nearly 50% year-over-year growth in franchise development activity. Its development pipeline now includes almost 350 additional restaurants.
“Surpassing 350 restaurants is a proud milestone, but what excites us most is who is helping us get there,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. He added that franchise partners sharing the company’s mission to Spread Joy, Enrich Lives and Serve Others are central to its expansion strategy.
Founded in 2008 by Stacy and Kevin Brown in Auburn, Alabama, Chicken Salad Chick began franchising in 2012. Its menu focuses on freshly prepared chicken salad varieties, alongside sandwiches, soups, sides, desserts and catering.
The company offers single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities, as well as area development agreements for operators interested in opening multiple restaurants within designated territories. It is particularly seeking experienced multi-unit operators to support expansion in underserved US markets.
According to its franchise disclosure information, the estimated initial investment ranges from US$777,000 to US$998,500 for a traditional restaurant without a drive-thru and US$802,000 to US$1.03 million for a drive-thru location. The initial franchise fee is US$50,000. Prospective franchisees are required to demonstrate a minimum net worth of US$750,000 and at least US$250,000 in liquid assets.
The franchise model includes a 5% royalty on gross sales, a 2% national advertising contribution and a 1% local marketing contribution. Franchisees receive support covering site selection, restaurant development, initial training, marketing and ongoing operations.
With more than 350 restaurants already operating and a further 350 locations in its development pipeline, Chicken Salad Chick is looking to sustain its growth through new franchise agreements and expansion by existing operators.
