Fast-Growing, Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept Expands in Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma

ATLANTA, Georgia – Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is expanding its footprint across the Midwest with six newly signed franchise agreements. While fast-casual restaurant concepts are booming nationwide, the Midwest region has remained an area of consistent growth in the sector. Chicken Salad Chick is entering into Michigan and Minnesota for the first time, while deepening its presence in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Behind the Deals: Meet the Franchise Owners

Caitlin & Michael Becker – Lafayette, Indiana

  • Michael Becker has been a lifelong entrepreneur and currently owns a candy shop, McCord Candies, in his community. While Caitlin Becker has been spearheading special events within the business, she is excited to fully return to the hospitality industry after a hiatus to raise their six children.

Jesse Koontz & Toni Siprut – Chicago, Illinois

  • Both Jesse Koontz and Toni Siprut are no strangers to the franchising industry, already owning several restaurant concepts in the Chicagoland area. Koontz has an extensive background in the franchise industry after leaving the Marines as a Sergeant, while Siprut brings ample experience in both the entertainment and hospitality industry.

Cindy Sulzman, Jo Anne & Kirk Williams – Kansas City, Kansas

  • It’s a family affair in Kansas City, after sisters Cindy Sulzman and Jo Anne Williams discovered the concept and became fans. The family trio is primed for success with Cindy’s marketing experience, Jo Anne’s years as a consultant, and Jo Anne’s husband Kirk’s experience crunching the numbers.

Troy Morrison – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma & Wichita, Kansas

  • Troy Morrison is already the largest multi-unit franchisee in the Chicken Salad Chick system with 26 locations open and operating — and he’s continuing to invest back into this unique concept. Morrison operates through his company, Meauxmentum Strategies & Investments, which owns more than 100 restaurant locations he continues to find value in expanding Chicken Salad Chick.

Sarah & Keith McKae – Northville, Novi and Canton, Michigan

  • This husband-and-wife duo has long served their community — Keith as a firefighter and Sarah as a dedicated hospital caregiver. After discovering Chicken Salad Chick while on vacation in Florida, they knew bringing the concept home to Michigan was their next opportunity. Their first location is set to open this fall.

Mandy & Mike Boogerd – Lakeville, Minnesota

  • Mike Boogerd brings a career in healthcare and IT, along with an MBA in healthcare management, to this opportunity. Inspired by raising their son with special needs, Mandy Boogerd transitioned from a medical career to teaching elementary and special education. Together, they are opening Minnesota’s first Chicken Salad Chick, with a vision to create a welcoming, community-focused restaurant.

The brand’s expansion across the Midwest 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 tapping into high-growth markets and leveraging its unique concept.

“Chicken Salad Chick has built a reputation for success in both emerging and established markets, and these new agreements reflect the strength of our brand and passion of our franchise owners,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. “We’re proud to partner with such talented entrepreneurs and families who share our mission of enriching lives and serving others.”

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 158 for 2025.

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.

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