Buying a restaurant franchise is an investment, but it’s also an important lifestyle decision. Proper due diligence ensures that you understand the brand, the investment and what your role will be as an owner. For Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, this is especially important. As a fast-growing brand with a strong emphasis on culture, Layne’s is intently focused on bringing in the right franchise partners. While the leadership team will evaluate candidates thoroughly, it’s crucial that prospective owners also complete thorough due diligence to ensure the opportunity aligns with their own financial goals, operational strengths and long-term vision.
Here’s how to complete proper due diligence as you look into the Layne’s Chicken Fingers franchise opportunity.
After the initial inquiry and a brief call with the team to ensure baseline alignment, you will gain access to the brand’s FDD — a foundational legal document for your research. Many franchise candidates choose to review the FDD in partnership with a financial advisor and/or attorney to ensure they completely understand the ins and outs of the opportunity.
As a whole, the FDD helps you understand what your obligations as a franchisee will be, from the initial investment to ongoing fees and brand standards.
Be sure to complete an in-depth review of Item 7, which offers insight into the estimated initial investment range — including the franchise fee, build-out and equipment costs, and working capital. You’ll also want to review Item 19, which offers insight into financial performance, average unit volumes and operational benchmarks.
Reviewing this document in full provides helpful context so you can understand key differences between different brands’ investment levels and profit potential. For Arkansas franchisee Jake Willett, the Item 7 was especially compelling.
“We’ve got a gorgeous building that I can build 20 to 25 percent cheaper than with other concepts,” he said. “You want to make a return. When the building and equipment become so expensive that it doesn’t allow that, it’s a problem. Layne’s lower buildout costs mean I can reach profitability more quickly.”
Franchisee validation is another key part of the process. While the FDD provides valuable facts and figures, speaking with people who have actually taken the journey themselves can provide additional insights that cannot be captured in the FDD.
Ask franchisees about their experience with the onboarding process and the support team, and discuss the operational realities and day-to-day demands of ownership.
And, perhaps the most important question: “Would you do it again?” A resounding “Yes,” here, from someone who is in the midst of growing and running a business, is a great vote of confidence.
Even the best brand needs a great location to maximize success. It’s important to work with the Layne’s team to understand territory availability and begin working through site selection criteria. Review local demographics, potential competitors and the potential for different build-out options like in-line and drive-thru locations.
Speaking with the real estate team in the early stages will also begin building a baseline for the type of support you’ll receive during your time as an owner.
“I like the real estate piece,” Willett said. “The fact that there is an entire real estate team who will help with site selection — that was the biggest thing for me. I felt like, if I did everything I was supposed to do, they weren’t going to let me fail with site selection.”
Dig deeper into what it really means to be a part of the Layne’s brand. Beyond the name, what is the value? Consider key things like training, ongoing marketing support, the operational model and business coaching.
While Layne’s is known for chicken fingers, this association goes deeper than just the name.
“The key is the simplicity of the menu,” said Taylor Thomas, a multi-unit Texas franchisee. “Garrett [Reed], Samir [Wattar], the team and all the franchisees are committed to maintaining that simplicity so we can consistently deliver a great product.”
Wattar has also placed a consistent focus on a strong supply chain, proactively negotiating contracts with suppliers and preparing far in advance to ensure franchisees have access to what they’ll need to run their businesses successfully.
“Typically, a company with eight to 12 stores in Texas [which Layne’s had when we initially invested] wouldn’t be able to support us all the way up in Wisconsin,” said Luke Bergeson, who owns multiple Wisconsin locations in partnership with his brother and father. “But with Samir at the helm, given his expertise in supply chain management, it really put us at ease.”
Using all of the data you’ve gathered to this point, you can begin to build a realistic business plan.
Combine data from the FDD and franchisee feedback to build your own financial model, outline your projected startup timeline, financing plan, staffing model and marketing launch strategy. This plan can serve as your roadmap for single or multi-unit growth. And knowing that this plan is backed by thorough due diligence can help you stay confident in the plan as you begin growing.
“Right now, we’re planning to open four stores next year and shooting for five,” Thomas said. “If you had told me that 10 years ago, I would’ve said, ‘You’re crazy. That’s a bad idea.’ But with the team we have now and the support the home office team provides, I feel solid about it.”
Checking the numbers is essential, but it’s only half the job. As you evaluate the opportunity, give equal weight to the intangibles — the leadership you’ll work with, the culture you’re joining and whether this feels like a partnership you can stay in for years.
Layne’s is known for a family feel, community focus and transparent leadership team.
“We saw a group of people who were genuinely passionate,” said Josh Bergeson, a partner in the Wisconsin Layne’s locations. “Nothing was forced. Everyone there seemed genuinely passionate about taking Layne’s from a small operation to a national presence, and they truly meant it. That stood out to us.”
Your due diligence process should confirm that Layne’s values align with your own.
While Layne’s is focused on rapid growth nationwide, the team is equally committed to bringing the right people to the team — not just awarding franchises to close the deal. Layne’s encourages thorough due diligence because they are looking for long-term growth partners, not just operators.
With an open-door approach, the team ensures candidates can get full access to the data, speak candidly with the leadership team and get real franchisee feedback. This sets the stage for mutual success.
“The Layne’s team has a genuine interest in franchisee profitability, which is key,” said Masroor Fatany, the brand’s first franchisee who has grown to multi-unit ownership in the Houston area. “They’ve told me not to do real estate deals — that’s rare in franchising. Usually, you sign a form acknowledging that you’re making the decision and taking responsibility. But Layne’s has told me, ‘Don’t do it. We don’t like this one.’ They’re not chasing unit count as an important number in the FDD, and that speaks volumes in our industry.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
Layne's Chicken Fingers
SPONSORED
As it pursues rapid national growth, the chicken finger franchise continues to prioritize finding the right franchise partners. Here's how you can determine whether the opportunity is a fit for you.
Buying a restaurant franchise is an investment, but it’s also an important lifestyle decision. Proper due diligence ensures that you understand the brand, the investment and what your role will be as an owner. For Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, this is especially important. As a fast-growing brand with a strong emphasis on culture, Layne’s is intently focused on bringing in the right franchise partners. While the leadership team will evaluate candidates thoroughly, it’s crucial that prospective owners also complete thorough due diligence to ensure the opportunity aligns with their own financial goals, operational strengths and long-term vision.
Here’s how to complete proper due diligence as you look into the Layne’s Chicken Fingers franchise opportunity.
After the initial inquiry and a brief call with the team to ensure baseline alignment, you will gain access to the brand’s FDD — a foundational legal document for your research. Many franchise candidates choose to review the FDD in partnership with a financial advisor and/or attorney to ensure they completely understand the ins and outs of the opportunity.
As a whole, the FDD helps you understand what your obligations as a franchisee will be, from the initial investment to ongoing fees and brand standards.
Be sure to complete an in-depth review of Item 7, which offers insight into the estimated initial investment range — including the franchise fee, build-out and equipment costs, and working capital. You’ll also want to review Item 19, which offers insight into financial performance, average unit volumes and operational benchmarks.
Reviewing this document in full provides helpful context so you can understand key differences between different brands’ investment levels and profit potential. For Arkansas franchisee Jake Willett, the Item 7 was especially compelling.
“We’ve got a gorgeous building that I can build 20 to 25 percent cheaper than with other concepts,” he said. “You want to make a return. When the building and equipment become so expensive that it doesn’t allow that, it’s a problem. Layne’s lower buildout costs mean I can reach profitability more quickly.”
Franchisee validation is another key part of the process. While the FDD provides valuable facts and figures, speaking with people who have actually taken the journey themselves can provide additional insights that cannot be captured in the FDD.
Ask franchisees about their experience with the onboarding process and the support team, and discuss the operational realities and day-to-day demands of ownership.
And, perhaps the most important question: “Would you do it again?” A resounding “Yes,” here, from someone who is in the midst of growing and running a business, is a great vote of confidence.
Even the best brand needs a great location to maximize success. It’s important to work with the Layne’s team to understand territory availability and begin working through site selection criteria. Review local demographics, potential competitors and the potential for different build-out options like in-line and drive-thru locations.
Speaking with the real estate team in the early stages will also begin building a baseline for the type of support you’ll receive during your time as an owner.
“I like the real estate piece,” Willett said. “The fact that there is an entire real estate team who will help with site selection — that was the biggest thing for me. I felt like, if I did everything I was supposed to do, they weren’t going to let me fail with site selection.”
Dig deeper into what it really means to be a part of the Layne’s brand. Beyond the name, what is the value? Consider key things like training, ongoing marketing support, the operational model and business coaching.
While Layne’s is known for chicken fingers, this association goes deeper than just the name.
“The key is the simplicity of the menu,” said Taylor Thomas, a multi-unit Texas franchisee. “Garrett [Reed], Samir [Wattar], the team and all the franchisees are committed to maintaining that simplicity so we can consistently deliver a great product.”
Wattar has also placed a consistent focus on a strong supply chain, proactively negotiating contracts with suppliers and preparing far in advance to ensure franchisees have access to what they’ll need to run their businesses successfully.
“Typically, a company with eight to 12 stores in Texas [which Layne’s had when we initially invested] wouldn’t be able to support us all the way up in Wisconsin,” said Luke Bergeson, who owns multiple Wisconsin locations in partnership with his brother and father. “But with Samir at the helm, given his expertise in supply chain management, it really put us at ease.”
Using all of the data you’ve gathered to this point, you can begin to build a realistic business plan.
Combine data from the FDD and franchisee feedback to build your own financial model, outline your projected startup timeline, financing plan, staffing model and marketing launch strategy. This plan can serve as your roadmap for single or multi-unit growth. And knowing that this plan is backed by thorough due diligence can help you stay confident in the plan as you begin growing.
“Right now, we’re planning to open four stores next year and shooting for five,” Thomas said. “If you had told me that 10 years ago, I would’ve said, ‘You’re crazy. That’s a bad idea.’ But with the team we have now and the support the home office team provides, I feel solid about it.”
Checking the numbers is essential, but it’s only half the job. As you evaluate the opportunity, give equal weight to the intangibles — the leadership you’ll work with, the culture you’re joining and whether this feels like a partnership you can stay in for years.
Layne’s is known for a family feel, community focus and transparent leadership team.
“We saw a group of people who were genuinely passionate,” said Josh Bergeson, a partner in the Wisconsin Layne’s locations. “Nothing was forced. Everyone there seemed genuinely passionate about taking Layne’s from a small operation to a national presence, and they truly meant it. That stood out to us.”
Your due diligence process should confirm that Layne’s values align with your own.
While Layne’s is focused on rapid growth nationwide, the team is equally committed to bringing the right people to the team — not just awarding franchises to close the deal. Layne’s encourages thorough due diligence because they are looking for long-term growth partners, not just operators.
With an open-door approach, the team ensures candidates can get full access to the data, speak candidly with the leadership team and get real franchisee feedback. This sets the stage for mutual success.
“The Layne’s team has a genuine interest in franchisee profitability, which is key,” said Masroor Fatany, the brand’s first franchisee who has grown to multi-unit ownership in the Houston area. “They’ve told me not to do real estate deals — that’s rare in franchising. Usually, you sign a form acknowledging that you’re making the decision and taking responsibility. But Layne’s has told me, ‘Don’t do it. We don’t like this one.’ They’re not chasing unit count as an important number in the FDD, and that speaks volumes in our industry.”
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
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