Chicken Salad Chick Inks First Franchise Agreement in Colorado, Plans to Bring Five Locations to the State

February 17, 2022

FORT COLLINS, Colo.Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced the signing of a 5-unit development deal for the Northern Colorado. This deal marks Chicken Salad Chick’s debut in the state, building on the tremendous nationwide growth it experienced in 2021.

After hitting a brand milestone, opening its 200th location and announcing western regional expansion, this newly signed agreement will take the brand into its 18th state and propel Chicken Salad Chick’s development into new regions and communities across the country.

Behind the multi-unit agreement are long-time Colorado residents, David and Jessica Zumbrun. David and Jessica currently live in Greeley, Colorado and had their first Chicken Salad Chick experience while on a vacation to Auburn, Alabama - the brand’s flagship location. Collectively, the Zumbrun's bring over 20 years of corporate, hospitality and restaurant experience to their new partnership with Chicken Salad Chick, in addition to having past restaurant franchise ownership experience.

“As Colorado residents, we can confidently say that Chicken Salad Chick is a natural fit for the state,” said Jessica Zumbrun. “For us, this deal means more than just owning a restaurant – it’s about leaving an impact on our community and those around us to enrich the lives of those we will be serving. This is something that is also evident with the Chicken Salad Chick brand and story, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this great product and unique concept to our community.”

The development agreement is for five locations across Northern Colorado, which includes Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland, Johnstown, Windsor, and the Zumbrun’s home market, Greeley. The Zumbruns plan to open the first of the five locations by the end of this year, with the second to follow in 2023.

“It’s exciting to see Chicken Salad Chick’s westward expansion in action,” said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. “The Zumbruns approached us in 2019, and have since been dedicated to securing their spot in our family of franchise owners. Together, they will help us further propel the brand into the West, and their enthusiasm toward bringing the Chicken Salad Chick brand to communities in Colorado is exactly what aligns them with our values and culture as a franchise organization. We look forward to building a loyal guest base in communities across Colorado.”

With an open real estate landscape and vast opportunity for market growth, Chicken Salad Chick is looking to further expand across Colorado by adding 15 locations over the next five years with strategic franchise partners. Target development markets for the state include Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Grand Junction.

Chicken Salad Chick’s investment opportunity and multiple revenue streams have quickly gained attention among local families and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in pursuing the franchise opportunity. Looking ahead, the brand’s development goal is to have 500 locations open and operating by the end of 2025.

Chicken Salad Chick continues to be recognized as a standout franchise system, being named one of QSR magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for the second consecutive year, as well as being named #3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2021 and #7 in the trade’s Top 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises ranking for 2022, respectively. The brand was also highlighted as one of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Food Franchises of 2021 and has been listed in Franchise Times’ Top 400 Ranking for 2021.

To learn more about opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick, contact Carrie Evans, Vice President of Franchise Development, at Carrie.Evans@chickensaladchick.com or 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 200 restaurants in 17 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, 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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