Layne's Chicken Fingers

At&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=flexibility-in-real-estate-a-catalyst-for-consistent-store-sales-at-laynes-chicken-fingers-2726473" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne's Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ chicken tenders franchise, adaptability is the key to success. That is why the cult-favorite franchise has embraced a flexible approach to real estate that allows them to thrive in diverse markets. The result? Consistent store sales for franchisees and a model that supports the brand's&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-fingers-awards-91-restaurants-celebrates-groundbreaking-6-figure-opening-in-q1-2726066#franchisor-stories">rapid growth</a> across the country. “A lot of big franchise brands are only interested in the prototypical building,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-reed-359407a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=flexibility-in-real-estate-a-catalyst-for-consistent-store-sales-at-laynes-chicken-fingers-2726473" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Eric Reed</a>, chief development officer. “They don’t want to lease — they want to rip it all down and build up a new one exactly how they want it. For us, we have the flexibility to adapt, which makes the whole franchising process much smoother.”&nbsp;<h2>Diverse Real Estate Options</h2>To start,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne's</a> approach to real estate is anything but conventional. “We are open to going into different types of real estate — traditional fast food, free-standing buildings, dining rooms, drive-thrus and more,” said Reed.&nbsp;This flexibility means Layne's can adapt to various market conditions and opportunities, Reed says. Whether it's remodeling an existing building or constructing a new free-standing location, the brand's adaptability is a significant advantage for franchise owners.“In tight markets, land can be tough to come by,” Reed said. “But if you find a site that is only big enough for a 12,000-square-foot building with a drive-thru and no dine-in, we’ll do a drive-thru only. If you find an end-cap in a small shopping center with a handful of tenants, we can build a drive-thru there as well. Or maybe it's an in-line space on a college campus. If we really want to be in a market, we’ll make it work.”&nbsp;This ability to modify the store format to fit available real estate allows Layne's to establish a presence in desirable locations that might otherwise be unattainable.<h2>Strategic Location Decisions</h2>Of course, Reed emphasized that the decision-making process for selecting the type of real estate goes deeper than just what is available. It is strategic and data-driven.&nbsp;“The question always comes up: how do you decide what type of restaurant to open? The simple answer is that we decide by looking at our peers — if another competitor has a drive-thru in this market, we want to do the same,” Reed said. “If they don’t, we don’t have to either. We want to be on an equal footing with them.”This competitive analysis ensures that Layne's locations are positioned to meet market demands and consumer expectations. By aligning their real estate choices with those of successful competitors, Layne's can attract a steady stream of customers.<h2>Faster Time to Market</h2>One of the biggest benefits of Layne's flexible real estate strategy is the faster time to market for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/how-this-halal-guys-and-laynes-chicken-franchisee-is-taking-over-the-houston-restaurant-scene-2725304">franchise owners</a>. “If you are purchasing an existing building, you get your permits a lot quicker than ground-up development,” Reed said. “You will see an extra six months of sales by following that model. It's typically less expensive to remodel a second-gen building as well, which helps with profits.”This expedited timeline means that Layne's can start generating revenue sooner and reduce the financial burden on franchisees. The ability to quickly adapt and open new locations is a crucial factor in maintaining consistent sales and supporting the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-fingers-awards-91-restaurants-celebrates-groundbreaking-6-figure-opening-in-q1-2726066#featured">franchise's expansion goals</a>. “Our flexibility also allows franchisees to manage two deals simultaneously,” said Reed. “If you can open an in-line restaurant downtown first, for example, you can ensure a consistent flow of sales earlier as you build out a free-standing drive-thru in the suburbs at the same time.”<h2>Comprehensive Market Approach</h2>Overall, when it comes to real estate, Reed says Layne's doesn't just focus on individual sites — the team takes a holistic view.&nbsp;“We look at a whole market approach, rather than an individual,” Reed said. “If you come in as a franchisee and you buy a geographic area that can open 10 different restaurants, we’ll determine where the best trade areas are. Where are people eating, shopping and working? From there, we go back and find the best piece of real estate within that area. That is unique among franchise brands. We can go in and open with a bang. It’s a very calculated, top-down approach.”This methodical approach ensures that each new location is strategically positioned for success, contributing to a consistent flow of sales across the network. By carefully selecting trade areas and optimizing real estate choices, Layne's can maximize their market presence and ensure each restaurant meets its full potential.“Our flexible approach to real estate is really a cornerstone of our success,” said Reed. “As we continue to expand, this adaptability will help us bring our beloved chicken fingers to more fans across the country.”For more information on becoming a Layne's franchisee and the costs involved, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=flexibility-in-real-estate-a-catalyst-for-consistent-store-sales-at-laynes-chicken-fingers-2726473" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://layneschickenfranchising.com/</a>

Flexibility in Real Estate: Boosting Layne's Chicken Fingers' Franchise Success

1851 Franchise

By adapting to different market conditions, strategically selecting locations and expediting the opening process, Layne's can maintain consistent sales and support rapid franchise growth.

This brand page has been paid for by LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Flexibility in Real Estate: A Catalyst for Consistent Store Sales at Layne's Chicken Fingers

flexibility-in-real-estate-a-catalyst-for-consistent-store-sales-at-laynes-chicken-fingers

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Growth

Franchisee Highlight

Why Layne's Chicken Fingers

Superior Training & Support

Learn

Visit Website

LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Supports Franchisees With Top-Notch Development Team

 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Signs 44-Unit Deal, Reaches Near-Total Market Saturation Across Home State

Layne’s Chicken Fingers’ First Franchisee Opens 7 Restaurants in 4 Years With 3 More on the Way

LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS

CONTACT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City Of Interest

Why are you interested in owning?

When do you envision becoming a franchise owner?

Do you have $300,000 without the bank to invest?

READY TO OWN A LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS?

FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Texas “Born and Breaded” chicken finger franchise, is closing another year of rapid growth. In 2025, the brand had multiple six-figure openings, opened in new states and signed a monumental 44-unit development deal. In support of its continued growth,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> has appointed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cuyler-e-51047a2a/">Cuyler Esposito</a> as vice president of culture operations.&nbsp;With extensive experience as a multi-unit franchisee, Esposito is acutely aware of the value of a strong franchise support structure. In his new role, he will prioritize culture throughout the Layne’s franchise system while serving as a voice for franchisees to ensure Layne’s unique culture remains the foundation of its operational excellence as it scales.“We are building a team that doesn’t just understand the restaurant business but understands the human side of it, too,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152">Garrett Reed</a>. “Cuyler has been following our story for years, and as a former food service franchisee, he’s uniquely qualified to support our teams and ensure our values remain a priority as we scale our footprint.”While Cuyler will focus on strong operations, a hallmark of the Layne’s business model, that is not his only guiding principle.“In this industry, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but Layne’s is special because everyone here is aligned on the brand’s core pillars,” Esposito said. “My philosophy is ‘culture first, operations very close behind.’ My job is to ensure our franchisees and their teams are operating with that high level of hospitality that separates us from the competition.”As he gets integrated into the system, Esposito says his primary focus will be supporting multi-unit franchisees in building their own internal “benches,” helping them develop teams to support long-term success without friction.“It’s important to me to help franchisees build an operations team so that, as we open up more units, we aren’t scrambling. Much of that will be driven by a focus on a culture of growth and opportunity,” he said. “It’s about identifying people within the organization and helping them grow. I’ve learned that, if you provide a path of growth for an individual, they’re much more motivated for you compared to when you just look at everyone as a number.”For Esposito, the transition to the franchisor side is about more than just strategy; it’s a personal commitment to the people running the restaurants.“It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle for me,” he said. “I am the liaison between the franchisee and the brand, and my job is to protect both, but anything I can do to help franchisees continue to get better… that’s what my role is.”ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERSFounded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">here</a>.

Layne's Chicken Fingers - VP of Culture Operations - Cuyler Esposito - 1851 Franchise

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Appoints Cuyler Esposito as Vice President of Culture Operations

laynes-franchise-cuyler-esposito-vp-culture-operations

FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;After a year of explosive growth,&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, has announced the promotion of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-camp-b7549387">Alex Camp</a> to vice president of operations services. Camp, who has been with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> for two years, steps into his new position as the brand levels up its leadership team to support its rapidly growing footprint. As Layne’s expands well beyond its home state of Texas, Camp will support the brand by overseeing the intersection of corporate infrastructure and real operations throughout the franchise network.“We have always had our eye on proactive development of our support teams, and Alex’s promotion is in line with this philosophy,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152">Garrett Reed</a>. “He has been with us through a pivotal season of growth, understands that our leadership team is in the service business, and is committed to interdepartmental connection and cooperation. His new role will ensure that, as we scale, we maintain the agility and operational excellence our franchisees rely on.”Camp describes his role as the organization’s “central nervous system,” designed to hone processes and turn the leadership team’s strategic vision into reality for franchisees.&nbsp;“It’s a multi-departmental role focused on turning thoughts into actions while relaying sensory feedback for critical evaluation,” Camp said. “My goal is to build new feedback pathways as the organization grows. Whether it’s working with IT, marketing, or design and construction, Operations Services ensures we get initiatives across the finish line so the franchisee can even better serve the guest.”While he plans to lean more into the strategic side of the business as it grows, Camp remains committed to a service-first mindset. Across the leadership team, the vision is clear: Protect the brand and protect the franchisee.&nbsp;In his new role, Camp will serve as a voice for franchisees at the corporate table, ensuring that, as the brand grows and brings on new departments and personnel, the profitability and operational success of local owners remain the top priority.“We’re adding incredible talent to our team, from marketing to IT, but we need to ensure all those efforts come together and ‘sing the same song’ for the operators in their markets,” Camp said. “I know the Layne’s model and culture, and now, my focus will be cross-functional support and feedback to ensure the base of the organization — our owners and their teams — have what they need to succeed.”Camp’s promotion comes at the conclusion of another incredible growth year. While Layne’s has seen monumental growth in 2025, including a landmark 44-unit restaurant deal, there’s still more to come.“When I think about where Layne’s was when I first jumped in to where it is now, and where it’s going, it all goes back to the Astro Chicken and the rocketship, the reflection of our brand and Chief Finger Officer,” Camp said. “As much rapid growth as we have currently, we’re just priming the engines. We’re just getting ready. I don’t think we’ve left the takeoff pad just yet. We’re starting to warm up, and all of that rumble and noise and smoke that people can see from a distance … that’s just confirmation that what we’re doing is right, and where we’re going is inevitable.”ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERSFounded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">here</a>.

Layne's Chicken Fingers - Alex Camp - VP Operations - 1851 Franchise

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Promotes Alex Camp to VP of Operations Services Amidst Record Growth

laynes-franchise-alex-camp-vp-operations-services

With decades of experience and adjustments behind it, Layne’s business model is remarkably scalable. A team of experts has developed resources, processes and layouts that allow Layne’s franchisees to deliver higher-quality menu items with the speed and convenience of a traditional fast-food concept.&nbsp;“A strong focus on operations and our commitment to identifying what we’re good at and growing to be even greater at it have helped us find this careful balance,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “We don’t add new menu items just to say we did, and we stay true to our identity as a chicken finger concept. Maintaining this focus has both created a steadier foundation for franchisees and further strengthened our identity as a standout option in the chicken finger space.”By elevating food quality while keeping the menu and experience affordable, accessible and easy to navigate, Layne’s can appeal to a wider range of guests, too. From college students and budding professionals to young families with kids, there’s something for everyone.While Layne’s brand identity and strong operations serve as a great jumping-off point for new franchisees, there are other considerations necessary to identify the best possible opportunity, starting with the market.<h2>Determining the Right Market for Success</h2>Once you’ve decided Layne’s is a great fit for you, you’ll need to consider how it may fit within your market.Layne’s restaurants thrive in areas with young, active populations, and it performs especially well in college towns. It’s important to analyze the current market landscape to identify areas where there is a clear demand for chicken and room for growth with a brand bringing the speed, quality and experience Layne’s does.&nbsp;The Layne’s leadership team also has rich real estate experience, and it applies this to its franchise development process.“Once we’ve identified a growth market, we’re careful to select prime real estate,” Wattar said. “When a franchisee presents a site to us, we consider whether it’s one we would develop a corporate restaurant on. We don’t just say yes to check the box and begin development on another unit.”During the development process, franchisees can work in conjunction with the leadership team to evaluate territory availability and the potential of certain sites within a market, and they will stay connected with a team of real estate experts throughout the build-out process for expert site selection, design and construction support. For many owners, this additional expertise — beyond the restaurant world — is a key differentiator and one of the primary drivers for partnering with Layne’s.“The menu is fantastic; it has a lot to offer. But from a real estate perspective, they have a great team — from site selection to construction,” said Jake Willett, a multi-unit Arkansas franchisee. “We’ve got a gorgeous building that I can build 20 to 25% cheaper than with other concepts, including building and furniture, fixtures and equipment.”<h2>Training for a Strong Launch and Long-Term Success</h2>While the pathway to signing the franchise agreement and officially becoming a Layne’s franchisee is an important one, the Layne’s team does not discount the journey from signing to grand opening and beyond.&nbsp;In addition to expert support for site selection and build-out, franchisees have access to a marketing playbook and resources that will position them to have a successful Grand Opening and continued growth thereafter.Layne’s also maintains its operational excellence systemwide by ensuring franchisees receive ample training prior to opening and support during the early days of operation.“We have a robust training program to support speed, quality and a great guest experience,” Wattar said. “Our ‘customer’ is not the person sitting in the restaurant eating chicken; it’s the franchisee. We see ourselves as a service organization, and we are dedicated to serving them and their growth as entrepreneurs through ample education and support.”As Layne’s continues along its rapid growth trajectory, this deep commitment to support is a crucial factor in maintaining the strength of the franchisee network and the quality of the Layne’s brand, no matter how big the system grows to be.By viewing the franchisee-franchisor relationship as a partnership, Layne’s builds stronger connections with franchisees and, ultimately, stronger, more successful businesses.“The leadership team has a genuine interest in franchisee profitability, which is key,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfatany">Masroor Fatany</a>, a multi-unit owner in Houston “They’ve told me not to do certain real estate deals, for example. That’s rare in franchising. Layne’s isn’t chasing unit count as their key metric, and that speaks volumes in our industry.”<h2>Why Now Is the Time To Invest With Layne’s</h2>With its home state nearly sold out,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-franchise-multi-brand-owners-2730365#featured">franchisees from major brands</a> flocking to the opportunity and an aggressive development schedule laid out for the coming years, Layne’s is a hot opportunity in the chicken space.&nbsp;As the brand expands, Layne’s stands out as a fun, high-quality option in the crowded chicken market. It offers franchisees a chance to join a fast-growing segment backed by a distinct concept and an engaged, experienced team. The time to claim a prime territory with a rising star in the chicken segment is now. As Layne’s looks toward growth in New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia, Oklahoma, the Carolinas and more, entrepreneurs have a compelling opportunity to do so with a brand that boasts a cult-like following, simple operations and unwavering support.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.">https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.</a>&nbsp;

A Path to Success With Layne's Chicken Fingers Ownership

a-path-to-success-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-how-to-choose-your-market-and-pursue-ownership

The&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-the-franchise-disclosure-document-whats-inside-and-why-it-matters-2729366#stories">Franchise Disclosure Document</a> is a comprehensive legal document required by the Federal Trade Commission, and it’s intended to provide prospective franchisees with information about the franchisor, the system and their commitments should they sign a franchise agreement. Reviewing the FDD is an absolutely crucial step in the due diligence process as it allows franchisees to get a more transparent look at the opportunity as they work to make an educated investment decision.For entrepreneurs looking into&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the FDD provides a robust overview, covering everything a new franchisee should know about the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise.“We pride ourselves on being transparent,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152/">Garrett Reed</a>. “We want to make sure that we’re a great fit for the franchisee as much as we’re evaluating whether they’re a great fit for us. Forging strong relationships on this foundation requires honest, direct conversations. In addition to the talks prospective&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> franchisees have with our existing owners and our leadership team, we really encourage them to dig into the FDD to learn more about the brand and start to evaluate whether we’re aligned.”<h2>The Who: Items 1 Through 4</h2>The FDD starts off with an overview of Layne’s as an organization, its predecessor, the franchise itself, potential competition, and industry regulations. This is to give an idea of what a Layne’s franchise looks like and some of the unique requirements or considerations associated with the operation.Item 2, Business Experience, outlines the people at the leadership level and their prior business experience.“We recognize that the success of our brand hinges on the success and satisfaction of our franchisees,” said Franchisee Liaison Matt O’Reilly. “We have an incredible leadership team in place, and we’re dedicated to consistently growing our network to ensure the infrastructure is in place before our franchisees need it.”Items 3 and 4 outline relevant litigation and bankruptcy proceedings to give prospective franchisees a clearer picture of who they will be going into business with and any prior challenges they should be aware of. Layne’s has no litigation or bankruptcy proceedings to disclose.<h2>The Numbers: Items 5 Through 7, 19, and 20</h2>As is the case with any investment, it’s important to understand the financial details. Items 5, 6 and 7 of the FDD outline initial fees, other ongoing fees and a breakdown of the estimated initial investment, respectively.The most notable initial fee is the franchise fee of $45,000, due at the time the franchise agreement is signed. Layne’s also notes costs associated with the initial opening support, including a team of experts sent to provide support starting seven days before the opening.Other ongoing fees reported include the royalty fee (5% of gross revenues), brand development fee (2% of gross revenues), contributions to a local or regional advertising cooperative (up to 5% of gross revenues) and local marketing expenditure (1% of gross revenues).&nbsp;Item 7 offers a comprehensive breakdown of the estimated initial investment ($451,500 to$1,050,000), noting cost ranges for specific aspects of development like leasehold improvements, furniture, initial inventory, and grand opening advertising. This helps franchisees better understand which costs will be associated with the investment, who they will be paying, and when the funds will be due.Items 19 and 20 address other key figures.&nbsp;The Item 19 is where a franchisor can make financial representations, should they choose. Anything disclosed in the Item 19 is not a performance guarantee, but this data, coupled with conversations with existing franchisees, can paint a very helpful picture and provide context regarding the return on investment. In the 2025 FDD, Layne’s shares information regarding the gross revenue of 10 franchised locations operating for the entirety of 2024. For traditional restaurants, the average gross revenue was $1,983,256; for non-traditional restaurants, the average gross revenue was $1,604,953.Item 20 covers outlets and franchisee data. This includes information about how many units are open, year-over-year unit growth, and data on restaurants awarded but not yet opened.“We’re growing quickly, and our franchisees are satisfied with the performance of their restaurants,” said Chief Operating Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>. “Many are exceeding their development schedules, and they wouldn’t do that if they weren’t excited to be growing with us. The numbers in Items 19 and 20 back this up, and the franchisee information in Item 20 gives candidates the resources they need to verify directly with individual owners.”<h2>The Details: Items 9, 11, 13 and 14</h2>Items 9 and 11 outline the franchisee’s obligations and the franchisor’s support responsibilities, respectively. While the Layne’s team is consistently available for its franchisees, understanding exactly what is expected of each party both in the development process and throughout the business relationship ensures ownership and smooth growth.Items 13 and 14 disclose applicable trademarks and other patents, copyrights or proprietary information. These rights and associated information are a big part of what elevates Layne’s above other chicken concepts — the branding, the guest loyalty, and the unique approach to service and the guest experience. Understanding what you’ll have access to and how you should manage it provides important context about the investment.<h2>The FDD and Due Diligence</h2>Reviewing the FDD is just one facet of a thorough due diligence process, but it’s an important one. Franchisees should carefully review all 200-plus pages to ensure they have a complete understanding of the opportunity, and even consult legal and financial experts along the way. Still, though, the document review is just part of the process. Combining the information in the FDD with insights gained through conversations with the leadership team and other franchisees helps candidates develop a complete understanding of the opportunity and decide whether they’re ready to join the fast-growing brand. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers</a>.&nbsp;

What Is the Layne’s Franchise Disclosure Document, and What Will I Find in It?

laynes-franchise-disclosure-document

<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, is quickly becoming one of the most-watched names in the fried chicken category. Once a quiet regional favorite, the brand has surged into the national spotlight after securing the No. 6 spot on the Restaurant Business Future 50 list — a recognition driven by a strongest growth trajectories, says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/2012019/raising-canes-vs-laynes-chicken-fingers-chain/">Tasting Table</a>.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">Layne’s</a> opened in College Station in 1994 and remained a small Texas brand for many years. That changed when the company began franchising in 2021. The system grew to eight locations by 2022 and passed 30 stores a few years later. Operators in several states — including Arkansas, Ohio and Wisconsin — are now building out their territories, and the brand expects to be near 80 restaurants by the end of 2026. For a concept that spent years with only a handful of stores, the pace of expansion over the past few years shows how much interest the brand is drawing from both guests and prospective owners.Behind the growth is a menu that champions simplicity done exceptionally well. Layne’s is known for its crispy chicken fingers served with crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and six signature sauces, including its fan-favorite original Layne’s Sauce. The brand also offers sandwiches, grilled options, wraps and premium hand-spun shakes made with high-quality ice cream. Many locations offer halal options, giving Layne’s an immediate advantage with diners seeking more inclusive menu choices.With its combination of strong unit expansion, operational focus and a menu rooted in quality and comfort, Layne’s Chicken Fingers is earning a place in the national conversation.&nbsp;Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/2012019/raising-canes-vs-laynes-chicken-fingers-chain/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers</a>.

image of laynes chicken the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise

Tasting Table: Layne’s Chicken Fingers Rising Fast in the Fried Chicken Market

tasting-table-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth-2025

<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, has been growing steadily for several years, but a new feature from The Daily Meal shows just how far the brand has come. The publication’s list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">10 Rising Restaurant Chains That Will Take Over in 2026</a> puts&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> alongside some of the most talked-about names in fast casual, pointing to the chain’s sharp rise in both visibility and store count.Founded in College Station in 1994, Layne’s spent decades as a Texas favorite before launching its franchise program in 2021. That decision changed the brand’s trajectory. By mid-2025, Layne’s had reached 30 operating locations — an increase of more than 50% — and the pace has only accelerated since. According to The Daily Meal, Layne’s is on track to surpass 80 units by the end of 2026, fueled by a wave of new franchise agreements.Much of that momentum comes from development commitments made in 2025. The brand signed five new franchise deals in Q3 alone, opening the door to expansion in Oregon, deeper growth in Wisconsin and a major 52-unit buildout across West Texas. These agreements reflect growing demand from experienced operators looking for a scalable model, clean operations and a recognizable customer favorite in a crowded chicken category.The article also pointed to Layne’s staying power. While many chains rise quickly and fade, Layne’s has taken the long view — refining its menu, service and systems for nearly three decades before scaling nationally. That consistency, combined with a focused menu and an authentic Texas-born identity, gives the brand strong footing as it enters new markets.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.</a>&nbsp;

image of laynes chicken rising restaurant chain to watch 2026 daily meal

Daily Meal: Layne’s Chicken Fingers Earns National Attention as a Breakout Brand for 2026

laynes-chicken-fingers-rising-restaurant-chain-2026

FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, has already established a booming — and consistently growing — presence across its home state. Now, with a monumental 44-unit franchise agreement signed with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/elimcohen/">Eli Cohen</a>, an experienced real estate and restaurant developer,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> will expand across West Texas, San Antonio and the Coastal Bend. With this deal, the Texas market is now over 90% sold out, leaving room for expansion in just El Paso and a few smaller, single-unit territories.“Sealing an over-40-unit deal in our home state is a major milestone for us as we approach 100% market saturation across Texas,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152/">Garrett Reed</a>. “And given our focus on real estate, the opportunity to pursue this expansion with a seasoned developer is even more meaningful.”Cohen, an investor and entrepreneur, specifically built his platform, C5 Restaurants, to scale exceptional operators — not just replicate.“When a franchisor has a strong culture and a clear playbook, it allows local teams like ours to focus on execution, leadership and community impact,” he said. “That combination of structure and autonomy is what makes the model work.”As part of the agreement, Cohen’s team plans to open multiple new Layne’s locations in their home base of Lubbock next year — with two sites already confirmed and a potential third under consideration — marking an exciting first step in bringing Layne’s signature chicken fingers to markets across West Texas.In addition to the deal with Cohen, which is the largest in the brand’s history, Layne’s has also recently executed a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth-2729591">12-unit deal</a> with an experienced Wendy’s operator to develop the Rio Grande Valley, an&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/laynes-chicken-west-texas-expansion-2730367">eight-unit deal</a> with a former water bottling entrepreneur to develop in The Big Country area in Texas, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/laynes-franchise-sal-afridi-west-fort-worth-2729318">four-unit agreement</a> with an experienced hospitality professional to grow the brand in South Fort Worth.&nbsp;Layne’s momentum is also driven by recent successes with new restaurants. Year-to-date, the brand has opened new restaurants in Mission Bend, Tyler and Nacodoches, Texas, with the Nacodoches location breaking sales records in the first week. With five additional locations slated to open across Texas before the end of the year, Layne’s is not slowing down.This wave of development has brought Layne’s to near-total saturation across its home state, a milestone that serves as a powerful proof of concept. With Texas almost entirely sold out, the brand is leveraging this momentum to drive continued growth not just in its home state but nationwide, carrying its focus on strategic growth and strong franchisee-franchisor partnerships into other key markets across the country.ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERSFounded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;

image of laynes chicken finger franchise expansion into texas

44-unit-texas-deal

FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;Midway through another year of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-franchise-growth-2025-2729859#stories">remarkable growth</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, has announced the addition of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehurley/">Natalie Hurley</a> as vice president of marketing. Hurley joins the brand with nearly 20 years of high impact hospitality and restaurant-industry experience. She will lead brand strategy and growth initiatives as the franchise scales nationwide, bringing a career rooted in hospitality, guest engagement and experiential brand-building to the fast-growing concept.“After a year of incredible momentum, bringing Natalie on board is a great next step in our journey,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152">Garrett Reed</a>. “Her hospitality background and deep understanding of what makes brands truly resonate with guests will be instrumental as we continue our evolution from a beloved Texas classic to a household name nationwide. Natalie understands what makes&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> special, and she has the vision and expertise necessary to share that story while keeping the heart of the brand intact.”“At the core, hospitality is hospitality, no matter if it’s full service, hotels or fast food,” Hurley said. “My goal here is to build the brand up even more and carry that through&nbsp;all the work we do at Layne’s.”Hurley’s decision to join Layne’s came after recognizing the shifting restaurant landscape and the brand’s unique position in the market.“The growth potential in the QSR space really interests me,” she said. “What really solidified that interest to me was meeting with Garrett and the team. Garrett was very inspiring and had such passion for this brand. There’s nothing he won’t do for it, and that caught my attention.”Hurley’s immediate focus is on strengthening and maintaining brand cohesion as Layne’s grows beyond its home state.&nbsp;“As we continue to grow nationwide, it’s important that all locations ‘sing the same song,’ tell the same story and have a very strong visual identity,” she said. “Layne’s has the cult following. It has the compelling story built in. My ultimate goal is to ensure that story translates in new markets, too, and to spread the love in the markets we enter.”Balancing brand consistency with local personality will be key to the brand’s expansion strategy, and Hurley will maintain system-wide standards while empowering franchisees to bring localized flair to their locations.“What will keep Layne’s unique as we grow is keeping that localized story,” she said. “You can replicate that passion in different markets while staying true to Layne’s and the core foundation of the brand.”As she grows in her role at Layne’s, Hurley will continue to prioritize fun, embracing the ethos of the Astro Chicken.“We’re in the business of creating great experiences. It should be fun,” she said. “But like the Astro Chicken heading into space, there’s a level of precision and intention behind everything we do. That mix of playful exploration and operational excellence is what will carry Layne’s into its next chapter.”ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERSFounded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">here</a>.

Natalie Hurley headshot and Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant

Flexibility in Real Estate: A Catalyst for Consistent Store Sales at Layne's Chicken Fingers

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS