2008
250
$750,000
$50,000
$952,000
No
Chicken Salad Chick is one of America’s fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant franchises, bringing a fresh, modern, and community-driven dining experience to the marketplace. Specializing in delicious, made-from-scratch chicken salad, wholesome sides, and refreshing desserts, Chicken Salad Chick has established itself as a unique brand that blends Southern hospitality with a modern, scalable business model.
With a proven reputation for quality, a loyal customer base, and strong brand recognition across the United States, Chicken Salad Chick offers entrepreneurs an exciting opportunity to invest in a franchise that combines passion for food with a purpose-driven mission. Positioned in the booming fast-casual dining sector, the brand is thriving in suburban, urban, and regional markets, making it a strong contender for long-term growth and profitability.
Investing in a Chicken Salad Chick franchise offers unmatched potential for success due to its:
Unique Concept – Focused entirely on high-quality chicken salad varieties, complemented by fresh sides and catering services.
Rapid Market Growth – Fast-casual dining is one of the most profitable and fastest-growing food sectors in the U.S.
Proven Business Model – A replicable system designed for efficiency, profitability, and community engagement.
Brand Recognition – Widely recognized for its warm hospitality and Southern-inspired menu.
Catering Opportunities – Additional revenue streams from off-premise dining, events, and corporate catering.
Strong Franchise Support – Comprehensive training, operational guidance, and marketing support to ensure success from day one.
Established Year: 2008
Founders: Stacy Brown & her late husband, Kevin Brown
Franchise Launch: 2012
Headquarters: Auburn, Alabama, USA
Ownership: Chicken Salad Chick is currently owned by Brentwood Associates, a leading private equity investment firm specializing in consumer brands.
Franchise Units: Over 250 locations across 20+ states in the USA (and growing).
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant Franchise
Brand Journey: Chicken Salad Chick began as a small, home-based business when Stacy Brown started selling her signature chicken salad to friends and neighbors. Its overwhelming popularity led to the opening of the first restaurant in Auburn, Alabama. With an emphasis on fresh, made-from-scratch recipes and community values, the brand quickly scaled into a national franchise, winning multiple awards for excellence in franchising, growth, and customer satisfaction.
Chicken Salad Chick provides franchisees with comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure long-term success:
Pre-Launch Support: Site selection assistance, restaurant design, construction guidance, and initial setup.
Operational Training: In-depth training programs for franchise owners and staff covering food preparation, customer service, inventory management, and operational excellence.
Marketing Support: National and regional marketing campaigns, social media strategies, digital promotions, and grand opening marketing assistance to attract customers from day one.
Ongoing Academic & Field Support: Continuous training sessions, workshops, and conferences to keep franchisees up-to-date with the latest trends and business strategies.
Dedicated Franchise Consultants: Regional business coaches to provide ongoing operational and performance support.
Technology Tools: Access to advanced POS systems, reporting tools, and back-end software for seamless operations and data-driven decision-making.
Chicken Salad Chick is seeking passionate and motivated entrepreneurs who align with its brand values:
Business Background: Prior experience in restaurant management, retail, or franchising is preferred but not required.
Passion for Hospitality: Individuals who value community, customer service, and delivering high-quality food.
Investment Capability: Financially capable of meeting initial investment requirements and sustaining business operations until profitability.
Hands-On Leadership: Owners who are willing to actively manage and engage in day-to-day operations.
Location Preference: Best suited for suburban communities, family-friendly neighborhoods, and high-traffic areas such as shopping centers and near business districts.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $762,000 – $952,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | $750,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 20% annually |
| Break-Even Timeline | 18 – 24 months |
| Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, catering, online orders, and seasonal promotions |
Explore top franchise opportunities in Canada & the U.S.
Your Expert
Franchise Voice
US & Canada, Consulting Team
