Layne's Chicken Fingers

<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=garrett-reed-culture-2731424" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, built a cult following with its original restaurants in College Station, Texas. For many guests, the draw was the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere within the four walls. For the brand leadership, a key part of&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> growth and success has been recognizing, maintaining and even further developing this culture, and it starts at the top.“The culture of an organization is the lifeblood,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=garrett-reed-culture-2731424" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Garrett Reed</a>. “It determines how a business runs, and whatever culture exists at the top bleeds all the way down to the people working in the drive-thru windows.”Reed’s application of this philosophy starts with how he views the organization.<h2>The ‘One of Everybody’ Mindset</h2>Rather than an authoritative culture that leans on a “What I say goes” mentality, Reed said he views himself as a peer. He’s not superior; he just has different responsibilities.“I’m just one of everybody,” he said. “I truly don’t see myself as any better than anyone. And culture is built in those moments where we’re all a part of ‘everybody.’ Culture is built in the break room, in cubicles, behind the fryers and when you’re taking the trash out to the dumpster. Culture is ‘Here’s what’s going on in my life.’ Culture is listening to people’s ideas.”By breaking the commonly accepted corporate hierarchy, Reed encourages an environment where everyone throughout the Layne’s system contributes to the culture. It’s a culture of the people, not a culture mandated by the C-suite or a mural on the wall.&nbsp;This also keeps lines of communication open, whether it’s between fellow franchisees, between members of the home office and franchisees, or between franchisees and their teams.<h2>Reed’s Open-Door (And Occupied-Couch) Policy</h2>As a part of Layne’s culture of transparency and communication, the leadership team has an “open-door policy.” For Reed, this means his office door is truly open throughout the day, welcoming people from all levels of the organization to visit.“I step out from my office, and when I come back, there will be three people sitting in there,” he said. “I’ve got a couch and two chairs, and they’re just always full. We’re always having conversations.”This laid-back approach and real accessibility removes the friction and fear often associated with C-suite leaders, creating an environment where people feel compelled to contribute.“Our teams love this about Layne’s,” he said. “How many organizations can you walk into the CEO’s office and say ‘Hey, what’s up? Tell me about what’s going on’?”Reed also makes a point to welcome discussions about a range of topics, both in his office and beyond. By providing business direction, but also mentorship, encouragement and even life advice for young team members seeking support, Reed maintains his position as not just a boss, but a true leader, and drives forward Layne’s culture of care.<h2>Culture in Practice</h2>Open-door policies and “like a family” cultures are common selling points. The difference with Layne’s is that it’s real.“We call it GAF — give a f***,” Reed said. “That’s all it is. Do you actually care about the people? You can’t fake that. You’ve got to really love your people at the end of the day. If you don’t love them, they know.”Maintaining this culture requires careful hiring and an ability to gauge whether a candidate will lean into the culture rather than detract from it. Much of the time, this comes down to a gut instinct.“I can teach someone how to do the job,” Reed said. “I’ve got to be able to see it in their eyes that they believe in us and believe in Layne’s. When someone believes in you, they’re going to go to battle for you.”As Reed has built the Layne’s team, he has remained dedicated to protecting the culture that makes Layne’s unique. Now, Layne’s culture and performance are results of a leadership team that’s authentic, accessible and incredibly human. And, while it can be intangible and hard to measure, Reed always returns to one simple fact: “The culture is driven down by just&nbsp;caring.”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;

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Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO Garrett Reed Drives Culture

1851 Franchise

Rejecting a corporate hierarchy, Garrett Reed’s “one of everybody” mentality drives Layne’s uniquely welcoming, caring, yet still high-performing company culture.

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

Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO Drives Culture of Care and Collaboration From the Top Down

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

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

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

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After building a successful multi-unit footprint with&nbsp;<a href="https://mooyahfranchise.com/">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a>, brothers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-bergeson-31013314">Josh</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasbergeson">Luke Bergeson</a> began looking for a new concept that would help them diversify. They wanted a brand that offered operational efficiency without sacrificing quality, and Soon to be FamousTM&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the fast-growing chicken franchise, fit the bill.“We decided that, if we were going to be in such a saturated market, we needed to have the best chicken to be able to say we are as good as or better than everybody else in this space,” Luke said. “We did a lot of side-by-side comparisons with other chicken tender concepts, and nothing stood up to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a>.”<h2>Operational Simplicity: The “Easiest $8,000” in a Day</h2>While Layne’s superior product hooked the Bergesons during the due diligence phase, the operational model is what stands out from a strategic and operational standpoint. Coming from concepts that required managing complex ticket items and diverse menus with many inventory items, Layne’s clear focus on consistent delivery of what it’s great at creating a new level of efficiency for the teams.After what felt like a slow dinner hour during their soft opening in Janesville, Luke checked the sales figures and was stunned to see they were already at $8,000.“I thought, ‘This is the easiest $8,000 I’ve ever seen,’” Luke said. “We’ve done $8,000 a day in other concepts, and I just couldn’t believe it. We said the same thing with 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 thousand dollars: ‘It shouldn’t be this easy.’ It almost seemed like it was too good to be true, which often is the case, but this is one of those rare instances where it has not proven to be too good to be true.”The brand’s streamlined model is another key contributor here. At the franchisor level, Layne’s is always looking for ways to simplify operations or cut down on unnecessary steps. This, combined with strong teams at the restaurant level, keeps ticket times lower and allows operators to do $10,000-plus days without too much of a challenge.&nbsp;“We focus on operations and look for a system that our team can execute well — whether it’s busy or slow,” Josh said. “Making the food and serving the guests is so streamlined, it’s hard to believe it’s that easy.”<h2>Trust in Leadership</h2>Beyond the four walls of the restaurants, the Bergesons’ choice to scale was largely driven by a deep trust in the Layne’s team and systemwide infrastructure. Having known Layne’s chief operating officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, from prior business ventures, they were excited about the supply chain and operations expertise he brings to the group. They were also excited to see the “founder-led mentality” everyone in the system leans into.By prioritizing franchisee profitability and brand integrity over just selling units, the Layne’s leadership team has developed a healthy system and built deep trust with owners who know there is a shared vision across all levels of the brand. This approach creates a true partnership where the franchisor is actively involved in franchisees’ success, from real estate selection to ongoing operations, and this boosted the Bergesons’ confidence even further.<h2>The “First Mover” Advantage</h2>As the Bergesons have solidified their presence in their community, they’ve seen just how impactful the Layne’s brand and experience has been. In Janesville, the team was expecting a challenge when a major competitor opened directly across the street, but because they had already become a part of the community and proven their speed, quality and level of service, it was a non-issue.“Raising Cane’s opened earlier this year,” Josh said. “We knew they were coming, and we thought we were certainly going to take a hit — it was just a question of how much. But when they opened directly across the street from us, we actually ended up seeing a little bit of an increase in sales.”Months later, the Janesville location maintains steady performance with no dip to recover from.This resilience speaks to the deep loyalty and positive perception they’ve already built with Layne’s, particularly during the initial period of market exclusivity. As they grow, being the “first mover” to bring a new chicken concept to a local market, will continue to be a key driver of success.<h2>Aggressive Expansion Across Wisconsin</h2>With a proven product, a focused leadership team and a model that thrives even in the face of direct competition, the Bergesons are confident in the Layne’s opportunity and continue to move full steam ahead.Following the successful launch of the Janesville restaurant, they opened another location in Appleton, and they’re currently in the process of developing additional locations in Bellevue, Oshkosh and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. In addition to the unit count increase that comes with this growth, the Bergesons are focused on bringing a trusted product to their communities while creating more opportunities for their teams.“We’ve always said that, whatever we sell, we want to be able to stand behind it,” Luke said. “We have to be best-in-class at whatever we’re doing.”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;

Why These MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Franchisees Are Betting Big on Layne's Chicken Fingers

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FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Texas “born and breaded” chicken finger franchise with 30 open restaurants and another 300 sold, was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/future-50-2025/laynes-chicken-fingers">ranked No. 6</a> on Restaurant Business’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/future-50-2025">2025 Future 50</a> list. A compilation of growing restaurant concepts, the ranking looks at brands that have seen consistent unit count and sales growth. The brands are then ranked based on their 2024 systemwide sales.This year, chicken concepts dominated the list, and&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> rose to the top.“We’re honored to have been ranked highly on the Restaurant Business Future 50 list,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152/">Garrett Reed</a>. “We have consistently emphasized the financial strength of our model, focusing on positioning our franchisees for success, but never at the expense of the guest experience or franchisee support.”Restaurant Business reports that, in 2024, Layne’s saw a year-over-year unit increase of 50% and a year-over-year sales increase of 67%. With 2024 systemwide sales sitting at $30 million, it’s clear the affinity for Layne’s is growing, and as its unit growth exposes it to new guests in new markets, franchisees are experiencing exponential financial returns.“As we continue our expansion, we’re working to reach the 45-unit mark by the end of the year and award additional multi-unit franchise agreements,” Reed said. “Throughout this growth, we remain committed to growing the team at our home office, too, to ensure the scaffolding is there before we need it. By staying true to our commitment to protect the brand and protect the franchisee, I’m optimistic about the future of Layne’s and our ability to continue along the remarkable footprint and financial growth trajectory that earned us recognition by Restaurant Business.”Layne’s dedication to finding what it’s good at (chicken fingers) and becoming great at it, careful supply chain management, unwavering franchisee support and guest service “15 times better” than the food itself has created a truly unique franchise opportunity, setting the stage for driven entrepreneurs to grow with an outstanding concept in the high-demand chicken space.&nbsp;With ongoing growth on the horizon, Layne’s is targeting markets in Virginia, Oklahoma, Indiana, Florida and more.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 Ranked No. 6 on Restaurant Business Future 50 Ranking

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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

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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

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<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the rapidly growing Texas “Born and Breaded” chicken finger franchise, is expanding nationally, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to break into the chicken space with a model that’s been proven over the span of decades but still offers plenty of runway for meaningful scale. For many franchisees, though, understanding the business model itself is just one of the steps toward ownership. They also need to know how much it costs.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Layne’s restaurant ranges from $451,500 to $1,050,000. This total investment is broken down into the following costs, outlined in Item 7 of the FDD:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Expenditure</td><td>Min</td><td>Max</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Franchise Fee</td><td>$45,000</td><td>$45,000</td></tr><tr><td>Lease Deposit &amp; Rent (3 Months)</td><td>$7,500</td><td>$50,000</td></tr><tr><td>Utility Deposits</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$5,000</td></tr><tr><td>Government Licenses &amp; Permits</td><td>$1,500</td><td>$10,000</td></tr><tr><td>Blueprints &amp; Plans</td><td>$10,000</td><td>$50,000</td></tr><tr><td>Leasehold Improvements</td><td>$150,000</td><td>$400,000</td></tr><tr><td>Signage &amp; Graphics</td><td>$7,000</td><td>$70,000</td></tr><tr><td>Furniture &amp; Fixtures</td><td>$10,000</td><td>$30,000</td></tr><tr><td>Point of Sale System</td><td>$8,000</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Hardware &amp; Software</td><td>$3,500</td><td>$7,500</td></tr><tr><td>Kitchen Equipment &amp; Smallwares</td><td>$150,000</td><td>$250,000</td></tr><tr><td>Professional Services</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$7,500</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Inventory</td><td>$7,500</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Smallwares, Uniforms &amp; Initial Suppliers</td><td>$7,000</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance</td><td>$5,000</td><td>$15,000</td></tr><tr><td>Travel and Related Expenses While Training</td><td>$2,000</td><td>$5,000</td></tr><tr><td>Initial Opening Assistance</td><td>$2,500</td><td>$5,000</td></tr><tr><td>Grand Opening Marketing</td><td>$10,000</td><td>$25,000</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Funds (3 Months)</td><td>$15,000</td><td>$30,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>On an ongoing basis, Layne’s franchisees should also plan for the following costs, outlined in Item 6:<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of Fee</td><td>Amount</td></tr><tr><td>Royalty Fee</td><td>5% of gross revenue/week</td></tr><tr><td>Brand Development Fund</td><td>2% of gross revenue/month</td></tr><tr><td>Local Marketing Spend</td><td>1% of gross revenue/quarter</td></tr><tr><td>POS System Maintenance Fee</td><td>$4,800 - $7,200/year</td></tr><tr><td>Technology Fee</td><td>$500/month</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Of course, understanding the total initial investment is just part of the picture. Layne’s has built an impressive support structure and embraced a super simple operational model, ensuring franchisees get the most payoff for each dollar invested.&nbsp;With the right buildout and a proven playbook, Layne’s owners can get to positive cash flow faster. The brand’s unit volumes back that up, with some top-performing restaurants topping&nbsp; $2.2 million in 2024.Now, with the chicken frenzy continuing, there has never been a better time to invest. Demand for chicken is high, but many legacy brands have already saturated the market. The Soon to be Famous™ concept brings a top-performing model with strong availability to prime markets nationwide, and it does so with an optimized investment structure and proven revenue model.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;

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Layne's Chicken Fingers Franchise?

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Doug McGuire, a long-time entrepreneur, began his franchise journey with H&amp;R Block nearly 30 years ago. After consistent operations, McGuire and his family made the decision to diversify their portfolio and took the leap into the restaurant space with Arby’s nearly 20 years ago. Again, the business brought steady success, but as the family grew and began to saturate their market, they needed to further diversify.“Growth for Arby’s in Ohio has slowed because the market is quite saturated,” McGuire said. “I wanted to keep growing, which meant looking for a new brand.”McGuire recognized the potential of the booming chicken market, specifically noting that chicken appeals to all ages and demographics, and began exploring opportunities in the space.<h2>Identifying the Perfect Addition</h2>Within the chicken market, McGuire was quickly drawn to&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Texas “Born and Breaded” chicken finger franchise. And after visiting Texas to try the chicken fingers for himself, he knew the brand had real potential.“The product is great,” McGuire said. “I believe it’s a superior product compared to competitors, and it just needs more notoriety and exposure.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> is also in a unique growth stage, which appealed to McGuire as well. With a highly experienced leadership team, McGuire knew Layne’s could offer the structures and support necessary to drive growth. However, because the brand is still relatively young in the franchise space, there is plenty of potential, specifically in the North Central Ohio market.“Having been involved with two different franchise models previously, I've come to appreciate that franchising takes a lot of the guesswork out. They've already developed a proven model, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “What excites me most is the opportunity to grow within my area and expand into a large market with a good product.”By bringing Layne’s to North Central Ohio, McGuire is filling a gap in the market that Arby’s doesn’t address, and he’s doing it with a brand that offers plenty of runway for meaningful scale in a market where legacy brands have already peaked.<h2>Leveraging a Tested Model</h2>While he’s moving into a new segment within the restaurant industry, McGuire is sticking with the systems and models that have defined his nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial success. Hey says a strong franchisor can remove the guesswork that comes with independent business ownership and provide a blueprint that allows for quick, healthy growth.“I wanted to stay within the franchise model because it has worked well for me so far, and I don’t really want to start an independent business from scratch,” he said.&nbsp;In addition to the business model, McGuire felt a strong draw to the brand’s leadership and culture. While Layne’s is growing rapidly, its leadership team is committed to protecting the brand and protecting the franchisee, maintaining the family-like culture that has driven a unique Layne’s experience throughout the lifetime of the brand.“I also connected with the Layne's team, which felt like a very small, family-oriented team,” McGuire said. “This aligns with my own background.”<h2>A Vehicle for a Family Legacy</h2>This family culture was also a key consideration as McGuire thought about the future of the business. While his development agreement is a smart addition to both his portfolio and the local restaurant landscape, it also lays a foundation for McGuire to begin building a deep family legacy.McGuire says he anticipates at least a couple of his five children will come back to work in the business, and it will span generations.In the early stages, he’s focused on a strong start in the North Central Ohio market.“I’d like to have 10 [Layne’s] open tomorrow if I could,” he said. “I’m simply very excited about this partnership and eager to get some stores open. I believe Layne’s will be well-received in the areas I’m targeting, and the product is excellent. I have no hesitation with the brand or the product.”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;

Photo of Layne's, Arby's franchisee Doug McGuire with Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Why This Arby’s Franchisee Diversified With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

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<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, has built a financially sound model by focusing on streamlined operations and a surprisingly simple philosophy: Find what you’re good at and become great at it.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> has stayed away from broad, complex menus and focused intently on offering great chicken fingers and an even better guest experience. These priorities, combined with the continued support of the corporate team, allow franchisees to scale effectively and reach impressive revenue benchmarks relatively easily.“We’re consistently blown away by the numbers our franchisees are doing in the early days and weeks of operations,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “We used to be ecstatic when a franchisee had a six-figure opening, and now, that has become the norm, which is very exciting. And even better, our restaurants don’t see a major drop-off after the excitement of the opening dies down. They’re leveling out at really strong numbers.”<h2>Operational Efficiency Drives Easy Revenue</h2>The primary driver behind Layne’s financial performance is an operational model that’s specifically built for volume. With decades of restaurant experience, Wattar has honed in on the details of daily operations, looking at things like the number of inventory items each Layne’s requires and considering details as fine as which kitchen layout requires the fewest number of steps for each team member as they complete daily tasks.This model clears a path for high daily sales without the hectic atmosphere that some quick-service brands require.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasbergeson">Lucas Bergeson</a>, a multi-unit franchisee in Wisconsin, experienced this firsthand during a soft opening. After what felt like a slow start to the day, he checked sales numbers and was surprised to see the location had already hit $8,000 by the end of the dinner hour.“I thought, ‘This is the easiest $8,000 I’ve ever seen,’” he said. “We’ve done $8,000 a day in other concepts, and I just couldn’t believe it. We’ve said the same thing with 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 thousand dollars: ‘It shouldn’t be this easy.’ It almost seemed like it was too good to be true, but this is one of those rare instances where it has not proven to be too good to be true.”<h2>High-Volume Openings Continue To Validate Layne’s Financials</h2>Bergeson’s experience with an “easy $8,000” during his soft opening is not an anomaly. Franchisees across various markets consistently see this level of performance in their early days.In Warrenton, Virginia,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/khurram-burney-5545761b6/">Khurram Burney</a> saw incredible results within his first week of operations.&nbsp;“The community’s response to the new restaurant was so strong that there were cars backed up onto the highway,” he said. “There were cars flowing out of the parking lot, and the dining room was packed.”<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-thomas-0875b780">Taylor Thomas</a>, a multi-unit Texas franchisee, shared a similar story from his recent opening in Nacogdoches.&nbsp;“We spoke with the Layne’s corporate team to try to get an idea of what to expect,” Thomas said. “They told us what we might see in the first week, and we beat that on day three.”Strong operations and clear validation from the communities Layne’s enters have consistently driven early success for franchisees, but it’s important to note that this volume and financial stability extend well beyond the excitement of the early days to create high-performing restaurants year-round.<h2>How Much Can I Make With a Layne’s Franchise?</h2>Layne’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document backs these anecdotes up with annual numbers from six traditional standalone restaurants and four non-traditional restaurants in 2024.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Average</td><td>Low</td><td>Median</td><td>High</td></tr><tr><td>Traditional Restaurant Total Gross Revenue</td><td>$1,983,256</td><td>$1,614,592</td><td>$1,987,510</td><td>$2,257,743</td></tr><tr><td>Non-Traditional Restaurant Total Gross Revenue</td><td>$1,604,953</td><td>$773,267</td><td>$1,642,639</td><td>$2,372,824</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>In 2024, Layne’s 10 franchised restaurants saw the following average cost of goods sold:<ul><li>Food Cost:&nbsp;29.5%</li><li>Paper Cost:&nbsp;3%</li><li>Labor Cost:&nbsp;24.2%</li></ul>The FDD offers a clear view of the brand’s financials, including strong top-line revenue and healthy margins, all backed up by a value-engineered model. This positions franchisees to create high volume and drive much of that cash flow back to their bottom line.“We know we’re great at chicken fingers, and our goal is to continue being great. We’re not going to overcomplicate it or chase a trend,” Wattar said. “Keeping the business lean allows us to further hone our model and processes and create an even more productive, enjoyable experience for high-volume teams and operators.”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;

How Much Can You Make as a Layne's Chicken Fingers Franchisee?

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FRISCO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, closed out 2025 with historic growth, doubling its restaurant count and achieving record financial performance. Entering 2026 with 40 restaurants open and 10 new franchise owners in the system,&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> is prepared for another landmark year as it works toward the longer-term vision of 300 units by 2030.Layne’s momentum has been reinforced by significant industry recognition. The brand was ranked&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/future-50-2025/laynes-chicken-fingers">No. 6 on Restaurant Business’s 2025 Future 50 list</a>, which recognizes emerging restaurant concepts demonstrating strong unit growth and systemwide sales performance. According to Restaurant Business, Layne’s posted a 50% year-over-year unit increase and a 67% increase in systemwide sales, with 2024 systemwide revenue reaching $30 million, placing the brand among the fastest-growing concepts in the country.Layne’s has also been named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list</a>, ranking No. 366, further highlighting the brand’s rapid expansion, increasing franchise demand and emergence as a force within the competitive chicken category.&nbsp;“We opened 21 restaurants last year, which is 110% growth over the prior year,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152/">Garrett Reed</a>. “We increased average unit volume across the system, and we brought on 10 new franchisees for a total of 40 restaurants awarded. We also developed the organization further to provide better support to our franchisees.”Layne’s impressive growth included a monumental 44-unit agreement, a 15-unit expansion by Wisconsin franchise owners and agreements signed by franchisees of other major brands like Wendy’s and Arby’s.In line with the unit growth, Layne’s also welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliehurley/">Natalie Hurley</a> as vice president of brand marketing and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cuyler-e-51047a2a/">Cuyler Esposito</a> as vice president of culture and operations and promoted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-camp-b7549387">Alex Camp</a> to vice president of operations services.“From day one, our goal wasn’t to sell franchises; our goal was to build an organization that provides services to the franchisees, and we’ve done that every year,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “If you look at our manpower growth compared to our restaurant growth, that’s clear. We now have 40 restaurants open, and we have 28 employees in the home office. We’re building a support organization for a brand that we’re really passionate about.”As Layne’s looks toward 2026, the team is looking forward to an additional 40 restaurant openings, continued revenue growth and thoughtful footprint expansion. With a powerful support team and strong logistical framework, Layne’s maintains its focus on strategic national growth, emphasizing franchisee alignment and cultural fits on the path to 300 units.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="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">here</a>.

Close-up photo of person holding Layne's tender sandwich, wearing Layne's shirt

Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO Drives Culture of Care and Collaboration From the Top Down

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