ATLANTA – Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announces the appointment of Mark Verges as new Vice President of Franchise Development.

With over 20 years of experience in the franchising industry, Verges is an accomplished development executive, with expertise in business revenue expansion, company development, and QSR franchising operations at every level. Most recently, he was the Director of Franchise and Restaurant Location Development at Ballard Brands, parent of PJ’s Coffee New Orleans. During this time, he oversaw franchise location development, capex projects, brand expansion, and real estate for nearly 250 franchised units and licensed concepts. Verges brings his proven track record of business and people growth through expert management, mentoring, and unsurpassed knowledge of the food service industry and the franchise industry to Chicken Salad Chick.

“Mark’s impressive track record with several franchise brands speaks volumes about his leadership and vision,” said Terry McKee, Chief Development Officer at Chicken Salad Chick. “His commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our values, and we look forward to his instrumental role in propelling Chicken Salad Chick to new heights in the fast-casual dining landscape.”

In his role, Verges will foster new and existing franchisee relationships, ensuring development schedules are met, and enhancing strategies around franchise recruitment. He will also focus on mentoring his teams and building upon the impressive growth momentum created by Chicken Salad Chick’s Support Center team.

“This brand is truly a unicorn in the restaurant space. Chicken Salad Chick serves up genuine smiles, has guests that are raving fans, and its main ingredient is southern-style chicken salad served from the heart,” said Mark Verges. “Along with zero competition, solid fundamentals, and impressive brand growth, the brand positioning resonated with me: gracious service, made from scratch food, fresh and healthy, comfortable, and community minded.  I am humbled and excited to be part of this brand and look forward most to joining a purpose driven culture that strives daily to Spread Joy, Enrich Lives, and Serve Others.”

The brand continues to bring its gracious hospitality and fresh fare to new markets, seeing a 10% increase in unit count year-over-year. According to the 2023 FDD, in addition to this impressive growth, Chicken Salad Chick reported over $306.8 million in systemwide sales, a 20% increase over 2021 and grew to record-setting AUV.

To learn more about opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com/franchising. 

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick’s robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 250 restaurants in 18 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team headquartered in Atlanta, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious and Fast Casual.com‘s top Movers and Shakers for the third consecutive year, QSR’s Best Franchise Deals for the second consecutive year and Franchise Business Review’s Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

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