News

Chicken Salad Chick entering Ohio, Illinois markets

December 12, 2018

Chicken Salad Chick, based in Auburn, Alabama, has signed franchise agreements to expand its footprint beyond the Southeast and into the Midwest and South Central regions. The agreements will grow Chicken Salad Chick's presence in existing markets and mark its entry into Ohio and Illinois, according to a company press release

First-time Chicken Salad Chick franchisees Beth and Mike Heydt of Right to Serve, and Jen Critchfiled of Buckeye Chick, are fueling development in Ohio with the opening of the state's first restaurants in Columbus and Mason, respectively. Illinois will also welcome its first Chicken Salad Chick location when Brad and Lisa Mazanek and Hannah Lukowski of SJ Restaurants, open their restaurant next year in Edwardsville, with an additional location slated for development in O'Fallon. 

The company will continue to expand its presence in the Midwest and South Central regions next year with locations opening in Chesterfield and Creve Ceour, Missouri; Jeffersonville, Indiana; Alexandria, Ruston and Bossier City, Louisiana and Houston and College Station, Texas, according to the release. 

Chicken Salad Chick has also signed agreements that will further drive its expansion across the Southeast, with locations coming to Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina in 2019. 

The surge in franchise development not only emphasizes the brand's aggressive growth strategy but also its ongoing success as a company, resulting in a total of 104 open restaurants to date, said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick.

"We're thrilled with the strides we've made in growing the brand in new and existing markets this year," he said in the release. "Our development plans for Ohio and Illinois showcase our commitment to grow beyond the Southeast and with additional deals in the pipeline, we're positioned for continued success in 2019. We look forward to building on this momentum and are eager to continue our expansion efforts as we partner with franchisees who share our passion for providing an exceptional dining experience in a warm and welcoming atmosphere."

Chicken Salad Chick, which has franchise opportunities in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas and Missouri, is seeking franchise partners with an entrepreneurial spirit who possesses high energy and enthusiasm about the brand, marketing skills and the ability to manage a strong team. Restaurant experience is preferred, Deviney said.

Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $600,000 and liquid assets of at least $150,000. Franchisees can expect the initial investment to be approximately $439,500-$604,500 with a $50,000 initial franchise fee.

In addition to propelling development, Chicken Salad Chick has also achieved 11 consecutive quarters of positive comp store sales.