23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

Dalton Dennis might be only 23, but he’s already making major moves in the restaurant franchise world. After working in three different franchise models and launching his own vintage clothing business in college, Dennis knew he wanted to build something he could be proud of. When he visited Layne’s Chicken Fingers* headquarters in 2021, everything clicked. Now, with a three-unit deal in place, Dennis is preparing to open his first Layne’s location in his hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon — and he’s fired up to introduce the community to a brand that truly feels like family.

1851 spoke with Dennis to learn more about his background, his journey to the brand and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Dalton Dennis: I started working at Dutch Bros Coffee when I turned 16, and I worked through high school and college. I’ve worked in three different franchise models, and that’s what originally introduced me to QSR. I also started a vintage clothing business in 2023 while I was attending Boise State University.

In 2021, my dad took a trip to meet with the Layne’s team, and I was introduced to the brand then. I immediately fell in love with it. I graduated in 2024, and now I’m extremely excited to bring Layne’s to my hometown — I’m in Grants Pass, Southern Oregon.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Dennis: I grew up surrounded by franchising because my dad was on the team at Dutch Bros. Franchising always appealed to me because the bulk of the trial and error has already happened. My goal was to find a franchise that I could be proud of and one I’d want to commit to long term.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Dennis: When I visited the Layne’s headquarters in 2021, I knew I wanted to be part of the company. It had that family vibe. The product was incredible. Everyone was proud of what they were doing, and they made us feel like we were already part of the team.

It’s a really welcoming, hard-working environment. And they don’t take the phrase “Soon to Be Famous Chicken” lightly.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Dennis: Right now, I want to get the first location up and running and really learn the brand and how the restaurant works. Then, I want to fulfill the three-location deal and hopefully expand into all of Oregon eventually. I’d love to pour back into the communities we serve.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Dennis: I’m just extremely excited about this opportunity and can’t wait for Oregon to fall in love with the brand.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Dennis: Do your research and find a system that you’re most comfortable with. Find one that fits you — one where you’re excited to share the product with others.

ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS

Founded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. While opening corporate locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the leadership team focused on fine tuning its operations and starting to franchise. Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising here.