Franchisee Stories
After a long career in co-packing, Bryan Horton began looking for his next opportunity. With a shared passion for service and eye for strong real estate, Layne’s was a perfect fit.
With experience in land development, oil and gas, and co-packing, Bryan Horton built a unique perspective on real estate. Over time, he saw how business could create revenue. But after purchasing a co-packing facility and seeing the growth driven by an income-producing asset atop an appreciating asset, he started taking a new approach.
After exiting the co-packing business late last year, Horton’s son encouraged him to try Layne’s Chicken Fingers*, saying it was “the best chicken [he’d] ever had.” Interested in Layne’s menu and even more intrigued by the brand’s approach to customer service and real estate, he chose to invest. Horton has signed an agreement for eight units throughout West Texas, securing one of the last key markets available in the brand’s home state, and is now working to secure two sites for his initial openings.
Horton took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Bryan Horton: My family has a history in land development and oil and gas. I previously ran a company that bottled water and orange juice. My view of real estate really shifted when I acquired a building and turned it into an income-producing asset. That influenced my decision to pursue more real-estate-focused opportunities. This way, you have an income-producing asset (the business) that’s sitting on top of an appreciating asset (the real estate).
My son is a huge fan of chicken. He called me from college and said I had to check out Layne’s — that it was the best chicken he’d ever had. I appreciate that they’re a team of real estate experts who really emphasize the right location for the restaurants. It felt like the right time and the right team for me to partner with to build something new and family-oriented.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Horton: Before this, I ran a company that co-packed bottled water and orange juice. I exited that in October 2024. I had been thinking about franchising for a few years but didn’t seriously pursue it until I exited the other business. The bottling business allowed me to see the power of combining appreciating and income-producing assets, and I figured a franchise with a strong real estate focus would support this method.
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?
Horton: I understood that there were different models. I was looking for one that would allow for property management and profit maximization.
I also know that a national brand can be impacted by negative experiences at other locations, so I was very focused on finding a franchise that understood the importance of brand consistency. I think franchisees should be aware of this.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Horton: My son was a huge fan of Layne’s and told me I had to check out the chicken. The chicken was great, but what really sold me was Layne’s approach to real estate. I also valued their transparency throughout the due diligence process; they answered every question honestly.
The leadership team is truly focused on treating franchisees with respect and serving us the same way we will serve our guests.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Horton: I want to have more than just one or two locations. I plan to leverage my extensive network of people who I’ve built relationships with over the years and those who are excited to work with me again.
My goal is to create something family-oriented that, should they choose, my kids could continue.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Horton: I’m truly excited to be a part of what’s happening in these communities. I have a deep love for West Texas.
Also, customer service has always been a priority for me throughout my career. Layne’s is big on that, and I’m excited to be a part of a system that values service as much as I do.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Horton: You can have a franchise model where you’re essentially just renting an opportunity to run a store from a franchisor until you decide to exit, or you can have one that’s your business. I was looking for a franchise model where I would be supported by a growing brand. Make sure you know which model you’re looking for.
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.
Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
