Layne's Chicken Fingers

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliot-mcdonald-4bb044134/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-canes-to-laynes-how-a-former-cashier-grew-to-multi-unit-operations-manager-2727823" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Eliot McDonald</a> is no stranger to the fast-paced world of quick-service restaurants. As the operations manager for three active&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-canes-to-laynes-how-a-former-cashier-grew-to-multi-unit-operations-manager-2727823" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne's Chicken Fingers</a> locations and two more coming soon — spanning Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — McDonald is focused on expansion and maintaining the high standards of the brand.&nbsp;Before working his way up to the corporate level and transitioning to work with a multi-unit franchisee, McDonald joined&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> as a cashier with big plans for growth. Coming from Raising Cane’s, he knew he wanted to build a career with a chicken brand that had a less “corporate,” more laid-back feel. Now, he is working alongside a strong team in Pittsburgh to help grow the brand in new markets, including the newest location coming soon in Parma, Ohio.McDonald 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 did you do before joining Layne’s and how did you know operating the restaurants made sense for you?Eliot McDonald:&nbsp;I started with Layne’s in 2019 as a cashier. I quickly worked my way up and became director of operations for the corporate office. During that time, I had the opportunity to work closely with [COO]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-canes-to-laynes-how-a-former-cashier-grew-to-multi-unit-operations-manager-2727823" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samir [Wattar]</a>, and I eventually had an opportunity to join the 3E Franchise team to help develop multiple units, starting in West Virginia. I decided to take the leap.1851: What did you think it would mean to take on this role?McDonald:&nbsp;When I first came to Layne’s, my intention was to franchise. I had a conversation with the leadership team about it in 2019, and at the time, we decided that it just made the most sense for me to stay on the corporate side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now coming to the franchisee side, I'm still in operations, and I see it as just another way of helping the brand. I’m still working to maintain the standards and deliver the experience the guest expects, I’m just directly helping a franchisee achieve that now.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with these restaurants? What are 3E’s plans for growth?&nbsp;McDonald:&nbsp;When I came to work with the 3E team, my goal was to grow to 15 to 20 units between Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Hopefully there’s potential for something beyond that, but that’s where I feel I can take it with my skill and infrastructure. Right now, we have the team in place to reach eight to 10 units healthily. We have all the right cards to grow this thing.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?McDonald:&nbsp;Full disclosure, I did come to Layne’s from Raising Cane’s. I love the fact that Layne’s started first and, while they are a corporation, they’re just not quite as “corporate” as Cane’s. We have the Astro Chicken as our mascot, symbolizing the carefree attitude while still holding ourselves to our mission to serve awesome food and great customer service. It really makes us stand out.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about running a franchise?McDonald:&nbsp;Do your homework. Franchising can be exciting and profitable, but it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. From an operational standpoint, I think Layne’s is a fantastic concept — it's simple, efficient and enjoyable. But you need to be prepared and know what it takes to run a successful franchise.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 $446,500 to $1,015,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising<a href="https://www.layneschickenfingers.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=from-canes-to-laynes-how-a-former-cashier-grew-to-multi-unit-operations-manager-2727823" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;here</a>.

From Cane’s to Layne’s: How a Former Cashier Grew to Multi-Unit Operations Manager

Layne’s Franchise To Open in Parma, OH With Growing Multi-Unit Group

1851 Franchise

After making the leap to the laid-back, quality-focused chicken franchise, Eliot McDonald grew into operations leadership. Now, he’s working with a multi-unit owner to grow in Ohio and beyond.

from-canes-to-laynes-how-a-former-cashier-grew-to-multi-unit-operations-manager

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’ First Franchisee Opens 7 Restaurants in 4 Years With 3 More on the Way

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

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?

image of Taylor Thomas laynes chicken finger franchisee in Texas

Why This University of Texas Alum Invested in Layne’s Chicken Fingers

university-texas-alum-invests-laynes-chicken

Design with photos of six Layne's Chicken Fingers franchisees and the Layne's logo

Why Franchisees Love Layne’s: Support, Culture and Growth

why-franchise-with-laynes

image of Masroor Fatany, a prolific laynes chicken franchisee

Why This Texas A&M Alum Invested in Layne’s, Committing to 10-Plus Restaurants in the Houston Area

why-texas-a&m-alum-bought-laynes-franchise

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Dutch McNeal and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Huddle House Franchisee Signs 5-Unit Deal to Bring Layne’s Chicken Fingers to Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida

laynes-chicken-fingers-georgia-florida-expansion

Photo of exterior of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Signs Landmark 44-Restaurant Deal, Shatters Records in Monumental Third Quarter

laynes-chicken-franchise-growth-records

Photo of exterior of Layne's Chicken Fingers location with red lights around roof

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Closed July With 3 Franchise Agreements Signed and 3 New Restaurants Opened

laynes-franchise-growth-july-2025

Big-Brand, Multi-Unit Franchisees Are Betting on Layne’s Chicken Fingers To Diversify Their Portfolios

laynes-chicken-franchise-multi-brand-owners

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

laynes-franchise-disclosure-document

From Cane’s to Layne’s: How a Former Cashier Grew to Multi-Unit Operations Manager

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS