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Chick N Max signs 25-unit deal for Houston

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September 26, 2022

Witchita, Kansas-based Chick N Max is headed to Texas, thanks to a 25-unit area development agreement with Aaron Johnson, a nearly 30-year veteran of the franchise industry with such brands as Bennigan's, Smashburger and Mod Pizza.

Johnson, who signed a deal in June with the chain to open three units, has extended the partnership into an area development agreement and will open the first three stores over the next 18-24 months and has signed a lease for the first of those at the Willis Shopping Center (12312 I-45 N) in Willis. Meanwhile, he's searching for franchise partners to develop the remaining restaurants throughout the metro area.

"The signing of this agreement represents yet another significant step in the growth of Chick N Max as we continue to drive our expansion efforts across the Central and Southeastern United States," Chick N Max Founder Max Sheets said in a company press release. "Anchored by our innovative take on chicken sandwiches and an enthusiastic partner like Aaron Johnson, we're perfectly positioned to accommodate the demands for healthier alternatives to burgers and look to the future with great enthusiasm."

Johnson's history in restaurant operations began in 1993 at Bennigan's, where he served as an area director for over 15 years. In 2008, he joined Smashburger as a district manager and was promoted to regional director of Operations. During his tenure with Smashburger, the franchise grew from six to over 300 units nationwide. For the nearly six years before signing his development agreement with Chick N Max, Johnson held several operations positions with MOD Pizza, including regional vice president and helped grow the brand from 195 to 530 restaurants nationwide.

"While researching several brands in the chicken sandwich space, I knew I wanted to partner with the one I felt had the strongest flavor profile," Johnson said in the release. "After my first bite of a Chick N Max sandwich during a visit to Wichita, I was sold. I'm especially excited to be joining Max Sheets and his dynamic leadership team. Having the opportunity to grow the brand in Houston, which I call home, gives me great pride."

Founded in 2017 and franchising since 2021, Chick N Max offers 10 flavors of chef-crafted sandwiches, made with almond-wood smoked pulled chicken or fried tenders.