Layne's Chicken Fingers

<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samir Wattar</a>, 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.”<h3>Leadership That Inspires and Guides</h3>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.&nbsp;“When we took our trip to meet the Layne’s team during the due diligence process, seeing how&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Garrett [Reed]</a> interacted with Samir, general managers and store-level employees really hit home,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-thomas-0875b780?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taylor Thomas</a>, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-cabrera-94a359272/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jason</a>. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-quita-jones-a21064102/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shaq</a>. An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-camp-b7549387/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact-2728160" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alex</a>. Jason has&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/from-teen-employee-to-general-manager-how-this-laynes-gm-is-building-a-path-to-ownership-2724378">an incredible story.</a> 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.<h3>Support at Every Step</h3>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.”<h3>Making an Impact Beyond the Business</h3>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&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers</a>.

Layne’s Franchise: Unmatched Support & Community-focused Culture

1851 Franchise

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.

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: A Franchise Built on Support, Culture and Community Impact

laynes-chicken-fingers-a-franchise-built-on-support-culture-and-community-impact

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 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

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?

<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?

franchise-cost

<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?

franchise-earnings-2025

Photo of Layne's restaurant with red light around the top of the building

Doing Your Homework: How to Perform Due Diligence Before Becoming a Layne’s Franchisee

franchise-due-diligence

image of a laynes chicken fingers location

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Offers Pathway to Success in Entrepreneurship for Corporate Escapees

laynes-franchise-corporate-escape

<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">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">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;

Photo of Layne's Chicken Fingers CEO Garrett Reed wearing Layne's hat and jacket

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

garrett-reed-culture

The fast food chicken market is one of the most lucrative and competitive segments in franchising. While many markets are saturated by major brands,&nbsp;<a href="http://layneschickenfranchising.com">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken finger franchise, blends a 30-year legacy with an explosive growth trajectory.For entrepreneurs looking for a ground-level opportunity backed by a team of experts,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> is a standout solution. Here’s how it stands out from the rest of the flock.<h2>A Real Estate Company First</h2>Layne’s has a team of real estate experts at the helm. In the restaurant space, location is key, and the team understands this.Rather than approving every site that comes their way in an effort to get restaurants open, the development team carefully analyzes the data and provides realistic, forward-thinking feedback to guide franchisees in making one of the most important decisions that can be made for a restaurant.“We treat our relationships with our franchisees as true partnerships,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4qDwJOJoe0">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “We know that our success hinges on their success, and our primary focus is to protect both the brand at large and each individual franchisee. Sometimes, that means saying ‘No.’ I like to say, ‘I tell my kids no all the time. It doesn’t mean I don’t love them; I just have their best interests in mind.’”And once the site is selected, Layne’s team of experts focuses on an incredible build-out. With design and construction support available through each step of the process, the team walks hand-in-hand with franchisees as they build out an efficient, but still aesthetically pleasing, restaurant.<h2>A Ground-Level Opportunity in a Booming Industry</h2>Layne’s presents a unique combination of growth potential and brand maturity in the booming chicken space. Positioning themselves as “originators, not imitators,” the Layne’s leadership team draws on over 30 years of experience to inform a rapidly growing brand.“We’re opening a restaurant almost every week,” Wattar said. “With over 30 restaurants open and another 300 sold, we’re quickly growing, but we also have plenty of opportunity in key markets.”In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/fast-food-chicken-restaurants/4027/">over $63 billion</a> fast food chicken market, many brands have already saturated key markets nationwide. While Layne’s is experiencing rapid growth, which is a testament to the strength of the investment, it still has space to pursue growth with qualified operators.<h2>Hands-On Support From a Team of Experts</h2>Layne’s prides itself on having great food and even better guest service, and this in-restaruant performance is driven by proper onboarding, training and ongoing support for each and every restaurant team.Layne’s proactively builds its support infrastructure to ensure the resources are available before they’re needed.“We have carefully planned our manpower,” Wattar said. “Every time we open two or three restaurants, we have a plan for the resources we’ll add to the mix. We’re always thinking about it ahead of time. So, even though we’re a small company, we support our franchisees like a big company would.”Wattar also highlights the ratio of support staff to franchise owners. With 28 owners in the system, currently representing 30 operating restaurants, Layne’s has a support team of 26<h2>Strategic Operational Model for Efficiency and Financial Benefit</h2>“It’s all about the franchisee,” Wattar said. “Everyone in the home office is not in the restaurant business; we’re in the service business. Our franchisees pay us royalties to provide services.”One of the key services the Layne’s team provides is operational strategy and support. From restaurant design to supply chain negotiations, Layne’s has honed the model to help franchisees make the most of their investments.This manifests in a few key ways.Layne’s newest prototype&nbsp;was designed with the efficient use of space and streamlined daily operations in mind, even considering which kitchen layout would require the fewest number of steps for team members to complete their tasks.Straightforward menu focus&nbsp;keeps Layne’s true to what it’s known and loved for while&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/how-laynes-built-a-restaurant-model-that-only-has-125-items-including-toilet-paper-2728484#stories">lightening the inventory load</a> for franchisees. This can reduce food waste, decrease the amount of time spent on inventory and ordering, and help team members focus on the highest quality of a few key offerings.Careful supply chain management, led by a seasoned operations professional, helps franchisees save time and money. Wattar remains in close contact with suppliers on a consistent basis, working to negotiate contracts ahead of time and funnel any resulting perks directly to the franchisees.“I had a call with a vendor earlier this year, and I learned that we would be able to get some rebates,” he said. “The vendor said, ‘Okay, so we will cut you a check at the end of each quarter.’ I told him, ‘No, you’ll cut my franchisees their checks at the end of each quarter.’”<h2>Superior Service and Product That Drives a Cult-Like Following</h2>An investment in Layne’s is an investment in legacy, tradition and a deeply beloved brand.Layne’s prides itself on providing service 15 times better than its food, and given it already has the “best damn chicken fingers,” its service naturally stands out.While the brand began its legacy in College Station, Texas, it has grown to have fans in markets nationwide. People flock to Layne’s when they return to College Station for Texas A&amp;M football games, and fans have even gotten married in Layne’s shirts.This loyalty extends beyond original fans to include those who try and immediately become fond of Layne’s. The brand has even seen sales in newer restaurants spike&nbsp;after a competitor opens nearby.While the chicken industry, as a whole, is booming, investing in Layne’s positions entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves even further.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 fingers franchise in 2026 fast food chicken market opportunity

5 Reasons to Invest in a Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise for 2026

why-invest

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

mooyah-owners-choose-laynes

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 Doubles Footprint, Welcomes 10 New Franchisees to the System in 2025 as It Ramps up for Another Record-Breaking Year

franchise-growth-2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers: A Franchise Built on Support, Culture and Community Impact

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS