Bigger Isn’t Always Better: How Layne’s Is Finding Success With Smaller Square Footage

In the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous™ chicken finger franchise, is redefining the path to success by emphasizing efficiency and adaptability over sheer size. With a strategic approach to real estate and a cutting-edge new prototype, Layne’s is demonstrating that smaller, more efficient spaces can drive significant growth and customer satisfaction.

Adapting Formats for Success

Layne’s Chicken Fingers has consistently achieved impressive sales by leveraging a diverse range of real estate formats. From freestanding locations and shopping centers to drive-thru-only models, the company’s flexibility has been crucial in maximizing the brand’s potential. 

This adaptability ensures that Layne’s can meet different market demands and customer preferences effectively, maintaining consistent sales and growth across diverse locations. 

“When determining which real estate type to scout in a specific market, we aim to match or surpass the standards set by our QSR peers,” Eric Reed, Layne’s chief development officer, told QSR Web. “We focus on well-established and high-growth markets, looking at key factors such as demographics and traffic patterns.”

The New Prototype: Efficiency Over Size

One of the most significant developments at Layne’s is its new restaurant prototype. This 2,400-square-foot design represents a reduction from the previous 3,000 square feet, achieving an impressive 15-20% cost reduction. 

“Layne’s has developed a variety of restaurant prototypes primarily to enhance operational efficiency and leverage our flexibility,” said Reed. 

This streamlined design focuses on reducing construction and labor costs while enhancing operational efficiency. Layne’s drive-thru-only locations have also been a significant factor in the brand’s success, achieving impressive sales volumes of $2 million. What has made the drive-thru model so successful for the chicken franchise? 

“Layne’s drive-thru-only locations achieve impressive sales volumes by optimizing both kitchen operations and procedural efficiency,” said Reed. “If you’re considering adding drive-thrus to your business, my advice would be to thoroughly research and plan for it. Doing your homework upfront will set you up for success and allow you to enjoy the rewards of efficiently serving your customers through this convenient option.”

Layne’s plans to continue leveraging both drive-thru and dining room formats, albeit with a smaller footprint, to continue the brand’s growth. 

“We aim to optimize each format based on market demand and location, ensuring we provide the best possible customer experience,” said Reed.

A Model for the Future

Layne’s innovative approach to restaurant design and real estate proves that in the fast-casual dining industry, bigger isn’t always better. By prioritizing efficiency, community engagement and operational flexibility, Layne’s is setting a new standard for franchise success. 

“What sets Layne’s apart from other chicken brands in a competitive market is our commitment to quality product and service, distinctive flavor, excellent value and simplicity of operation,” Reed said.

With its cutting-edge prototype and adaptable real estate strategy, Layne’s is well-positioned to lead the industry into a new era of efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.