Layne’s Chicken Fingers is known for its delicious food, high level of service and family-like feel, but these outward traits are powered by a much deeper level of commitment and care throughout the system. Franchisees who join Layne’s get access to both a proven business model and an experienced, passionate team that prioritizes personal growth, team success and community connections. With this, they are supported in both growing in their own career and growing their impact within their market.
“Support is the name of the game,” said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer. “People are investing their hard-earned money. Not just because they want to have fun, but because they want to make money. We’re a growing brand, and while we’re taking a chance on the franchisees we choose to grow with, they’re taking a bigger chance on us. They trust us to help them grow, and we have to deliver on that.”
The leadership at Layne’s believes that a successful franchise system is built on empowerment and transparency. They understand the importance of strong, values-based leadership that doesn’t just manage but mentors, ensuring that every franchisee feels supported and equipped for success.
“When we took our trip to meet the Layne’s team during the due diligence process, seeing how Garrett [Reed] interacted with Samir, general managers and store-level employees really hit home,” said Taylor Thomas, a multi-unit franchisee with Layne’s. “It’s obvious that there’s a level of care there and everyone is pushing in the same direction. That can be hard to find in the franchise space.”
From comprehensive onboarding to ongoing guidance, Layne’s provides the insights and tools necessary for new owners to succeed. Through open lines of communication and an emphasis on a collaborative culture, Layne’s also positions franchisees well to connect and support each other, strengthening their own operations while further elevating the brand’s identity and reputation nationwide.
“This is a business, but I expect everyone that we deal with to treat each other the same way we expect our teams to treat the guest,” Wattar said. “That’s my philosophy. Right now, I have franchisees who will call me about personal things, just asking for advice. ‘How would you handle this?’ And I’m happy to talk to them. That’s leadership — to teach, inspire and lead rather than just managing.”
This focus on leadership, rather than just management, has also driven incredible successes within the company ranks, boosting engagement and retention while strengthening the teams and resources to benefit all who are involved.
At Layne’s, the team is more than a workforce; it’s a family. Franchisees are encouraged to build a positive work culture that prioritizes team development and well-being, creating an environment where employees are valued, respected and given opportunities to grow. This approach is modeled directly at the home office.
For example, Wattar consistently mentors young restaurant-level employees to help them see a pathway to a successful career with the brand. Meeting on a regular basis, they discuss topics apart from the usual job-related ones — like life and leadership — to work toward developing a robust skill set that will help them grow and serve them well for the entirety of their careers.
“I love developing our employees,” Wattar said. “I want everyone to be a Jason. A Shaq. An Alex. Jason has an incredible story. Shaq and Alex both worked for me in the past, and they came to Layne’s because of me. Even if they go somewhere else, they’ll always be able to say, ‘Samir was a part of this journey. Layne’s helped me get here.’ That’s my goal.”
Layne’s franchisees receive support in establishing this culture, from training resources focused on effective team management to mentorship programs that teach franchise owners how to lead by example.
This focus on team well-being also has a practical benefit. Franchisees find that engaged, happy employees contribute to a more positive customer experience, which can ultimately drive customer loyalty and sales growth. By fostering a culture that prioritizes the team’s growth, Layne’s enables franchisees to create a workplace where employees are motivated to succeed, both individually and collectively.
In terms of launching and scaling the business, the Layne’s franchise system offers comprehensive support, covering everything from operations to marketing. Layne’s provides extensive training to help new owners understand every aspect of running their business, from hiring and onboarding team members to maintaining product quality. This support doesn’t end once the doors open. Layne’s offers continuous guidance through a network of experienced business consultants and a dedicated support team. Franchisees can count on regular check-ins, access to best practices and the latest operational tools to help them succeed.
“I’ve never looked back and questioned my decision to go with Layne’s,” said Jake Willett, the franchisee bringing Layne’s to Arkansas. “Everything that Layne’s told me they were going to do, not only have they done it but they’ve exceeded expectations. It’s a lot of work to get the business off the ground, but there’s a team in place to answer calls and questions no matter when they come up.”
Joining Layne’s means becoming part of a franchise network that values community impact. Franchisees are not only encouraged to participate in community events and local partnerships, but they’re also given resources to do so effectively. Layne’s supports its franchisees in finding ways to give back and encourages owners to forge genuine relationships with local leaders to support schools, sports teams and other community organizations.
This allows owners to cement themselves as true pillars of the community and take their business a step beyond serving chicken fingers. By getting involved beyond the four walls of the restaurant, Layne’s owners can bolster their presence and further communicate to guests that the restaurant is their Layne’s, not just another chain.
“The goal is simple,” Thomas said. “It’s to go into your communities, listen to your people and do what’s right. That’s easier said than done sometimes, but you really just have to listen. And when you do that, you can build a business that truly serves everyone involved.”
For those interested in joining a brand where success is measured in both profitability and positive impact, Layne’s offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. Joining the Layne’s family means embarking on a journey of growth, leadership and meaningful community involvement — all with the backing of a franchise system dedicated to your success.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
Layne's Chicken Fingers
SPONSORED
As it continues to grow rapidly, Layne's remains committed to a strong company culture and attractive professional and lifestyle benefits for franchisees with proven processes and robust support.
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is known for its delicious food, high level of service and family-like feel, but these outward traits are powered by a much deeper level of commitment and care throughout the system. Franchisees who join Layne’s get access to both a proven business model and an experienced, passionate team that prioritizes personal growth, team success and community connections. With this, they are supported in both growing in their own career and growing their impact within their market.
“Support is the name of the game,” said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer. “People are investing their hard-earned money. Not just because they want to have fun, but because they want to make money. We’re a growing brand, and while we’re taking a chance on the franchisees we choose to grow with, they’re taking a bigger chance on us. They trust us to help them grow, and we have to deliver on that.”
The leadership at Layne’s believes that a successful franchise system is built on empowerment and transparency. They understand the importance of strong, values-based leadership that doesn’t just manage but mentors, ensuring that every franchisee feels supported and equipped for success.
“When we took our trip to meet the Layne’s team during the due diligence process, seeing how Garrett [Reed] interacted with Samir, general managers and store-level employees really hit home,” said Taylor Thomas, a multi-unit franchisee with Layne’s. “It’s obvious that there’s a level of care there and everyone is pushing in the same direction. That can be hard to find in the franchise space.”
From comprehensive onboarding to ongoing guidance, Layne’s provides the insights and tools necessary for new owners to succeed. Through open lines of communication and an emphasis on a collaborative culture, Layne’s also positions franchisees well to connect and support each other, strengthening their own operations while further elevating the brand’s identity and reputation nationwide.
“This is a business, but I expect everyone that we deal with to treat each other the same way we expect our teams to treat the guest,” Wattar said. “That’s my philosophy. Right now, I have franchisees who will call me about personal things, just asking for advice. ‘How would you handle this?’ And I’m happy to talk to them. That’s leadership — to teach, inspire and lead rather than just managing.”
This focus on leadership, rather than just management, has also driven incredible successes within the company ranks, boosting engagement and retention while strengthening the teams and resources to benefit all who are involved.
At Layne’s, the team is more than a workforce; it’s a family. Franchisees are encouraged to build a positive work culture that prioritizes team development and well-being, creating an environment where employees are valued, respected and given opportunities to grow. This approach is modeled directly at the home office.
For example, Wattar consistently mentors young restaurant-level employees to help them see a pathway to a successful career with the brand. Meeting on a regular basis, they discuss topics apart from the usual job-related ones — like life and leadership — to work toward developing a robust skill set that will help them grow and serve them well for the entirety of their careers.
“I love developing our employees,” Wattar said. “I want everyone to be a Jason. A Shaq. An Alex. Jason has an incredible story. Shaq and Alex both worked for me in the past, and they came to Layne’s because of me. Even if they go somewhere else, they’ll always be able to say, ‘Samir was a part of this journey. Layne’s helped me get here.’ That’s my goal.”
Layne’s franchisees receive support in establishing this culture, from training resources focused on effective team management to mentorship programs that teach franchise owners how to lead by example.
This focus on team well-being also has a practical benefit. Franchisees find that engaged, happy employees contribute to a more positive customer experience, which can ultimately drive customer loyalty and sales growth. By fostering a culture that prioritizes the team’s growth, Layne’s enables franchisees to create a workplace where employees are motivated to succeed, both individually and collectively.
In terms of launching and scaling the business, the Layne’s franchise system offers comprehensive support, covering everything from operations to marketing. Layne’s provides extensive training to help new owners understand every aspect of running their business, from hiring and onboarding team members to maintaining product quality. This support doesn’t end once the doors open. Layne’s offers continuous guidance through a network of experienced business consultants and a dedicated support team. Franchisees can count on regular check-ins, access to best practices and the latest operational tools to help them succeed.
“I’ve never looked back and questioned my decision to go with Layne’s,” said Jake Willett, the franchisee bringing Layne’s to Arkansas. “Everything that Layne’s told me they were going to do, not only have they done it but they’ve exceeded expectations. It’s a lot of work to get the business off the ground, but there’s a team in place to answer calls and questions no matter when they come up.”
Joining Layne’s means becoming part of a franchise network that values community impact. Franchisees are not only encouraged to participate in community events and local partnerships, but they’re also given resources to do so effectively. Layne’s supports its franchisees in finding ways to give back and encourages owners to forge genuine relationships with local leaders to support schools, sports teams and other community organizations.
This allows owners to cement themselves as true pillars of the community and take their business a step beyond serving chicken fingers. By getting involved beyond the four walls of the restaurant, Layne’s owners can bolster their presence and further communicate to guests that the restaurant is their Layne’s, not just another chain.
“The goal is simple,” Thomas said. “It’s to go into your communities, listen to your people and do what’s right. That’s easier said than done sometimes, but you really just have to listen. And when you do that, you can build a business that truly serves everyone involved.”
For those interested in joining a brand where success is measured in both profitability and positive impact, Layne’s offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. Joining the Layne’s family means embarking on a journey of growth, leadership and meaningful community involvement — all with the backing of a franchise system dedicated to your success.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
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