1985
30
$100,000
$30,000
$500,000
No
Chicken Kitchen is a pioneering fast-casual restaurant concept that redefined healthy eating in the U.S. restaurant industry. Founded in 1985 by Christian de Berdouare in New York City, Chicken Kitchen introduced a fresh approach to dining by offering marinated, grilled chicken served in an open kitchen setting, a stark contrast to the prevalent fried fast food options of the time. This innovative concept quickly gained popularity, establishing Chicken Kitchen as a beloved brand known for its commitment to quality, freshness, and value.
Over the years, Chicken Kitchen has expanded its presence, with numerous locations in Florida and Texas, and a growing number of franchise units across the United States. The brand's dedication to using natural ingredients, free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs, has resonated with health-conscious consumers, solidifying its position in the competitive fast-casual dining market.
As the demand for healthier dining options continues to rise, Chicken Kitchen presents a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking to be part of a reputable brand with a proven business model in the thriving $45 billion quick-service restaurant industry.
Proven Business Model: With nearly two decades of experience, Chicken Kitchen has established a successful and replicable business model in the fast-casual dining sector.
Health-Conscious Menu: The brand's focus on grilled, broiled, and steamed chicken, prepared in full view of customers, caters to the growing consumer preference for healthier meal options.
Strong Brand Identity: Chicken Kitchen's commitment to quality and freshness has fostered a loyal customer base, enhancing brand recognition and customer retention.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they are well-equipped to operate their businesses effectively.
Scalable Growth Potential: The brand's expansion into new markets offers opportunities for multi-unit ownership and regional development.
Established Year & Founder:
Chicken Kitchen was founded in 1985 by Christian de Berdouare in New York City. The founder envisioned a healthier alternative to traditional fast-food chicken by offering grilled, marinated chicken in a fresh, casual dining environment. This was revolutionary at a time when fried chicken dominated the market.
Company History & Brand Journey:
The first location was a modest 300-square-foot restaurant focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients and open kitchen transparency, allowing customers to see their meals being prepared.
Early success in New York led to expansion into Florida and Texas, where the brand quickly gained a loyal following.
Chicken Kitchen has grown from a single store into a recognized fast-casual chain, known for its commitment to natural, hormone-free chicken and health-conscious menu items.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Currently, Chicken Kitchen operates around 30 franchise and company-owned locations across Florida and Texas.
The brand is positioned as a fast-casual healthy dining option, catering to the growing health-conscious consumer segment in the USA.
Its industry category is Fast-Casual Restaurant, which sits between traditional fast food and casual dining, allowing it to offer high-quality meals with quick service.
Ownership & Management:
Chicken Kitchen remains privately owned, with a focus on quality control, operational excellence, and franchise support.
The company is actively seeking franchise partners nationwide to expand its footprint, offering comprehensive support and training to ensure consistency across all locations.
Industry & Market Insights:
The U.S. fast-casual chicken segment is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar market, fueled by increasing consumer preference for healthier, fresh, and customizable meal options.
Chicken Kitchen’s focus on grilled chicken, salads, and wholesome sides aligns with this trend, making it an attractive investment for prospective franchisees.
Pre-Launch Support:
Assistance with site selection and lease negotiations
Comprehensive training programs covering all aspects of restaurant operations
Operational Support:
Ongoing operational guidance to ensure consistency and quality across all locations
Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions
Marketing Support:
National and local marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness and customer engagement
Access to a centralized marketing portal with promotional materials and resources
Academic Support:
Training programs for staff development and retention
Educational resources on industry trends and best practices
Ongoing Support:
Continuous access to a dedicated support team for troubleshooting and assistance
Regular updates on menu innovations and operational improvements
Chicken Kitchen seeks franchisees who are passionate about healthy eating and possess the following attributes:
Business Background: Experience in restaurant management or a strong understanding of business operations
Passion: A genuine interest in promoting healthy dining options and a commitment to quality
Investment Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements for franchise ownership
Location Preference: Interest in establishing locations in high-traffic areas with a health-conscious customer base
Ideal candidates should be hands-on operators, dedicated to maintaining the brand's standards and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
| Category | Details / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $300,000 – $500,000 | Includes build-out, equipment, and pre-opening costs |
| Minimum Investment Required | $100,000 | Liquid capital needed to qualify as a franchisee |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 | One-time initial fee for licensing and brand rights |
| Royalty Fees | 5% of gross sales | Ongoing fee for brand support and use of intellectual property |
| Marketing/Advertising Fees | 2% local + 1% national | Contributes to marketing campaigns, promotions, and brand development |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | $150,000 – $250,000 | Dependent on location size, lease, and interior design |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 | To cover operational expenses during the first few months |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, generally 18–24 months | Based on average traffic, market demand, and operational efficiency |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months | Typical time to cover initial investment and start generating profit |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, take-out, delivery, catering, retail sauces & seasonings | Multiple channels to maximize revenue |
| Franchise Units | ~30 locations (Florida & Texas) | Opportunities for single or multi-unit ownership |
