Established
2005
Franchise Units
9
Minimum Investment
$525,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,150,000
Home Based
No
Description
Mad for Chicken has become one of the most recognizable names in Korean-style fried chicken across the United States, blending a chef-driven menu with a welcoming neighborhood restaurant experience. Known for its signature soy garlic fried chicken, scratch-made sauces, and elevated casual dining atmosphere, the brand has carved out a strong niche within the booming Asian-inspired fast-casual category. With growing demand for high-quality chicken concepts and the rising popularity of global comfort food, Mad for Chicken has positioned itself as a top franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to build a modern restaurant brand that customers rally behind.
Unlike many fried chicken franchises that rely on large-scale production, Mad for Chicken stands out for its handcrafted, double-fried crispiness, unique flavor profiles, and versatile menu that appeals to families, students, working professionals, and food-lovers alike. It has a strong reputation in major U.S. cities—especially New York—where the brand built its cult following before expanding into new metropolitan and suburban markets nationwide. As consumer trends shift toward experiential dining, specialty sauces, premium proteins, and late-night-friendly menu offerings, Mad for Chicken continues to rise as a high-growth restaurant brand with strong staying power.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Mad for Chicken means joining a fast-growing, culturally relevant restaurant concept backed by a loyal customer base and a proven operational model. The franchise offers a blend of high-demand products, efficient kitchen systems, and a brand identity that resonates strongly across generations—especially millennials and Gen Z consumers who actively seek out globally inspired flavors.
Franchise owners benefit from:
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A strong and differentiated brand in the competitive chicken category
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High consumer demand for Korean fried chicken in the U.S.
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A menu designed for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering
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Scalable operations suited for urban, suburban, and college-town markets
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Attractive unit economics backed by moderate startup costs for the segment
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Comprehensive franchisor support that simplifies launching and operating the business
Background
Mad for Chicken began its journey in 2005 in Flushing, Queens, founded by Sean Cho and Clinton Oh, two entrepreneurs who wanted to bring authentic Korean fried chicken to the American mainstream while elevating it with handcrafted sauces, double-fried crispiness, and a warm neighborhood dining experience. At a time when Korean cuisine was still gaining traction in the United States, the founders focused on building a menu that balanced authenticity with broad appeal. Their soy garlic fried chicken quickly became the signature item that defined the brand and helped Mad for Chicken stand out in New York’s competitive restaurant landscape.
The brand grew organically through word-of-mouth, late-night food culture, and strong loyalty within local communities. As the popularity of Korean cuisine surged across the U.S., Mad for Chicken found itself at the forefront of a rising category, eventually expanding from a single neighborhood restaurant into a multi-unit operation. Over the years, the founders strengthened the company’s identity by emphasizing quality ingredients, scratch-made sauces, and a dining atmosphere that blends casual comfort with contemporary design.
Mad for Chicken’s success eventually led to a formal franchise program, allowing entrepreneurs across the country to replicate the concept’s proven systems, flavors, and guest experience. Today, the brand operates approximately nine locations in the United States, including both corporate-owned and franchise-operated units. With five active franchise units and a growing pipeline, Mad for Chicken is still considered an emerging franchise—giving early investors the advantage of joining a brand at a pivotal growth stage.
As part of the fast-casual and Korean-inspired chicken category, Mad for Chicken benefits from several powerful market trends: the continued boom in specialty chicken concepts, the rise of global comfort foods, and strong consumer demand for elevated quick-service dining. The brand’s presence is most established in New York, but expansion into surrounding metropolitan regions and select high-traffic U.S. markets is ongoing.
Support Training
Mad for Chicken offers a robust, hands-on support program designed to prepare franchisees for long-term operational success. From initial onboarding to ongoing performance optimization, franchise owners receive structured guidance every step of the way.
Pre-Launch Support
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Assistance with site selection and territory evaluation
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Lease negotiation guidance
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Restaurant layout and architectural planning
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Comprehensive build-out and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
Initial Training Program
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Multi-week training at a certified Mad for Chicken restaurant
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Culinary training on signature recipes, sauces, frying techniques, and quality controls
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Management training on labor planning, operations, and customer service
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POS, software, and technology system training
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Marketing and brand standards training
Operational Support
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On-site opening team support for the first days/weeks
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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) playbooks and recipe books
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Ongoing menu development and product innovation
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Continuous performance benchmarking and support calls
Marketing Support
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Local store marketing playbook
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Digital marketing templates
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Social media branding
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Grand opening campaign strategy
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National brand promotions
Mad for Chicken’s support framework is designed for both seasoned restaurateurs and first-time food-service entrepreneurs, ensuring every franchise partner has the tools and confidence needed to operate successfully.
Ideal Candidate
Mad for Chicken is best suited for entrepreneurs who want to build a modern, experience-driven restaurant brand with strong community appeal. Ideal owners typically exhibit the following traits:
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Passion for food, hospitality, and creating memorable dining experiences
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Strong business management skills or willingness to hire experienced managers
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Ability to follow a structured system and maintain brand quality
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Adequate capital to fund startup, working capital, marketing, and staffing
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Interest in multi-unit growth or long-term brand development
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Comfort operating in fast-paced restaurant environments
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Preference for high-traffic urban, suburban, or college-town locations
This franchise appeals to both hands-on operators who want to be deeply involved in day-to-day management and semi-absentee owners who plan to hire a full management team.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount (Estimated Range) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $525,000 – $1,150,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Net Worth Requirement | $500,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% – 6% of Gross Sales |
| National Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% of Gross Sales |
| Local Store Marketing (Initial Period) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Restaurant Size Requirement | 1,800 – 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Build-Out & Construction Costs | $280,000 – $650,000 |
| Equipment Package | $120,000 – $250,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Signage | $45,000 – $90,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Training & Onboarding Expenses | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $30,000 – $120,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 6 – 12 months |
| Expected ROI | 18 – 36 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Late-Night Sales |