Franchise Deep Dive: Golden Chick’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: 1/2024

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://goldenchickfranchising.com/ 

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 210+

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $438,450–$1,414,500

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Golden Chick is a fast-casual chicken franchise famous for its chicken tenders. Its story began in Central Texas in the late 1960s when the concept was created by a former employee of a chicken franchise who believed there had to be a better way to run a franchise system. 

The brand soon attracted franchise inquiries with its unique chicken menu and, by the time the founder sold the chain in 1982, it had already grown to 39 restaurants. In 1989, Golden Fried Chicken was purchased by an investment group and has since experienced steady growth with new restaurants opening throughout the region, bringing the chain-wide total to over 210 stores.

In 1993, the company introduced enhancements to the Golden Fried Chicken menu and restaurant appearance and Golden Chick was born. As of 1996, all new stores were called Golden Chick.

How Many Locations Are There?

Golden Chick originated in the late 1960s when a former employee of another chicken franchise sought a better way to cook chicken and manage franchises. Starting with one restaurant in central Texas, it expanded to 39 franchise locations by 1982. In 1992, the brand changed its name to Golden Chick. 

Today, the franchise has steadily grown to over 210 stores, and over 20 new locations are planned to open in 2024. In 2023, the brand announced an expansion strategy involving exploring markets beyond Texas, including Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, and into more Eastern markets. 

What Is the Business Model?

Golden Chick’s opportunity is well-suited to industry newcomers as well as franchising experts, according to the company. Because Golden Chick restaurants have broad consumer appeal, there is wide-open opportunity for new territories. 

Additionally, franchisees are able to invest in a single restaurant or multiple restaurants over an agreed-upon time frame. Multiple restaurants may be suitable for franchisees with adequate liquidity for startup costs and the ability to qualify for financing for the balance of the project. 

There are three franchise concepts to choose from: 

• Freestanding, Group-Up Location: These brand-new locations are built from the ground-up in locations that are chosen to attract customers. They are built to exact specifications and are designed to last for decades.
• Freestanding Conversion: These freestanding franchises are established by converting existing buildings with drive-thrus into Golden Chick restaurants.
• Prototypical End Cap Restaurant: These smaller locations are built into existing spaces in locations like small strip centers supplying us with approximately 2,200 square feet. Like Freestanding Conversion franchises, they don’t typically require comprehensive construction, but unlike both of the previous options, they’re built into a larger retail complex and don’t stand on their own. 

How Much Can Golden Chick Franchise Owners Make?

Golden Chick’s estimated franchise profit is not disclosed publicly. 

How Much Does it Cost to Open a Golden Chick?

The cost to open a Golden Chick is estimated to be between $438,450–$1,414,500 but varies depending on the type of model franchisees choose to open. 

• For Free-Standing, Group-Up Locations: $895,890 to $1,414,500
• For Free-Standing Conversion: $438,450 to $957,500
• For Prototypical End-Cap Locations: $470,450 to $946,400

The full breakdown can be found in the brand’s FDD, but a few of the key items include:

• Computer and point-of-sale system
• The cost of attending your initial franchisee training
• Signage and menu boards
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

What Is the Franchise Fee for Golden Chick?

The franchise fee for each franchisee’s first Golden Chick location is $30,000. The brand encourages our entrepreneurs to take advantage of our multi-unit opportunities by lowering the fee for each additional location to $18,000, which is a 40% discount from the original franchise fee.

Who Are the Leaders of Golden Chick?

• Mark Parmerlee, CEO 
• Brian Loescher, President
• David Rutkowski, CFO
• Howard Terry, CMO
• Scott Stevenson, Vice President of Development and Construction

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More?

• Now’s the Time to Invest in Golden Chick 
• Why Golden Chick?
• The Golden Chick Story
• Golden Chick Announces Strategic Reorganization of Executive Team
• 'Go East, Old Man,' Says Golden Chick CEO for Growth Plan

Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our Power Rankings to read more on brands making moves. 

Wings and Rings*

• 1851 Brand Page
• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 1/18/2024): 85
• Investment Range: $1.4 million–$1.99 million

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• 1851 Brand Page
• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 1/18/2024): 13
• Investment Range: $737,000–$1,217,000

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• 1851 Brand Page
• Franchise Development Page
• Number of Open Locations (as of 1/18/2024): 350+
• Investment Range: $1,287,250–$2,491,500.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.

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