Fast-Growing, Fast-Casual Restaurant Targets Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah for Strategic Development

ATLANTA, Georgia – Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is ready for expansion into five new states – Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Utah – creating opportunities in key markets for experienced franchise owners who are ready to grow quickly. Consistently attracting multi-unit operators and seasoned restaurateurs, the brand is on pace for a record-setting year through robust sales growth and an ambitious development pipeline.

Key Markets for Growth:

  • Arizona: Flagstaff, Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Prescott, Tucson
  • Nevada: Las Vegas Metropolitan Area
  • New Jersey: Central and South Jersey
  • New York: Middle and Upper Hudson Valley, Upstate New York
  • Utah: Salt Lake City Metropolitan Area

The brand’s expansion into Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, suburban New York, and Utah comes as the foodservice industry is projected to reach $1.5T in sales in 2025. As consumers prioritize spending at restaurants, Chicken Salad Chick is positioning itself for long-term success by identifying the growing populations in these markets and tapping into its unique concept.

“These five states represent some of the most exciting growth opportunities in our brand’s history,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. “With a blend of streamlined operations, proven market adaptability, and warm hospitality, we’ve created a strong foundation for scalable growth at Chicken Salad Chick. We know the right owners can hit the ground running and build something special.”

Chicken Salad Chick has a proven track record in both emerging and established markets, creating an attractive opportunity for experienced multi-unit operators in these newly available territories. A strong corporate strategy combined with a loyal customer base allows franchisees to focus on building passionate community connections, delivering consistent guest experiences, and fostering a positive environment.

In the first half of 2025, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated a string of grand openings across the country, solidifying its position as a leader in the fast-casual segment. The brand’s commitment to quality, community engagement, and operational support has helped fuel its momentum, with dozens of additional locations in development.

Chicken Salad Chick continues to be recognized as a standout franchise system, being named one of QSR magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for the fourth consecutive year, as well as being named #3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. The brand was also highlighted in Franchise Times’ Top 400 Ranking at 177 for 2024.

In 2025 the team is capitalizing on momentum from 2024, aiming to break records with new deals across the United States. Franchise development has identified Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and West Virginia as target growth states with high economic potential. The brand continues to bring its gracious hospitality and fresh fare to new markets, seeing a 13% increase in unit count year-over-year. Last year, Chicken Salad Chick reported over $394.2 million in system wide sales. According to the 2024 FDD, in addition to this impressive growth, experienced a 38% increase over 2021 and grew to record-setting AUV of $1.5 million.

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 307 restaurants in 22 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 ranked top 3 in the nation in 2024 , QSR’s Best Franchise Deals for the second consecutive year and recognized at No. 134 on Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 Top 500, spotlighting the biggest restaurants in America by systemwide sales. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

###

Search