Layne's Chicken Fingers

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26xjcObGao&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-ceo-garrett-reed-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-built-on-simplicity-quality-and-real-estate-expertise-2728137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">“Franchisor Hot Seat,”</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-ceo-garrett-reed-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-built-on-simplicity-quality-and-real-estate-expertise-2728137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a>, founder and publisher of 1851 Franchise, interviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-ceo-garrett-reed-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-built-on-simplicity-quality-and-real-estate-expertise-2728137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Garrett Reed</a>, CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-ceo-garrett-reed-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-built-on-simplicity-quality-and-real-estate-expertise-2728137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>. The conversation delved into Layne’s origins, Reed’s unconventional path into franchising and how the brand’s focus on real estate fundamentals and franchisee success is driving its growth.Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a> has become a Texas A&amp;M legend thanks to its small-town charm, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. The brand’s leadership spent years perfecting operations in corporate-owned locations before launching its franchise model. Franchise opportunities range from&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-laynes-chicken-fingers-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724314">$446,500 to $1,015,000</a>, with flexible buildout options available, and the company is rapidly expanding while prioritizing franchisee success.Reed, a seasoned real estate developer, never planned to lead a franchise brand. His background in site selection, construction and working with restaurant franchisees gave him a deep understanding of what drives location success. Reed shared his vision for Layne’s future, highlighting the importance of sustainable growth over aggressive expansion. By 2030, Layne’s aims to have several hundred locations while maintaining its commitment to quality, simplicity and franchisee support.A transcript of Powills’ interview with&nbsp;Reed has been provided below. It has been edited for clarity, brevity and style.Nick Powills: All right, Garrett. We’ll actually start with you and then talk about Layne’s. As simple as this question may sound, everybody has a unique response. How did you accidentally fall into franchising? What’s your personal background story in franchising?Garrett Reed: Yeah, so my personal background is that I’m actually a real estate developer by trade. I’ve been in that industry for over 20 years. I got into franchising after having the opportunity to work with a lot of franchisees and people on the restaurant side of things over the years. I got to see the process from site selection to construction, equipment ordering and all that kind of stuff. Then, I got to watch those operators thrive and be successful. It always kind of intrigued me.I made a lot of friends in the restaurant and franchising space. We built a lot of shopping centers and over time, I started thinking, “Hey, the grass looks greener over there.” I had a buddy who owned a restaurant concept, and I wanted to be a part of it. Initially, I thought I’d just partner up and help out — contribute however I could. But that evolved into a very different role. It all stemmed from market planning, site selection, construction, development and just watching people thrive. I thought, “Hey, that looks pretty easy. Why can’t I do that?”Powills: There’s a lot to unpack here, but I want to start with real estate. I was walking down a street in Chicago about ten years ago with a powerful multi-unit franchisee. We passed a yogurt brand and a bubble tea brand. He said, “The yogurt brand should be doing $1.5 million, maybe $1.7 million, based on its location and buildout. But the bubble tea concept, one block off the beaten path, won’t make it.” And he was right. The bubble tea concept is long gone, despite being a good brand. It all came down to real estate selection. When you think back to the operators you’ve worked with, does it ever come down to just going cheap on real estate and underestimating the long-term impact?Reed: One hundred percent, Nick. Too many franchisees and franchisors miss that finer point. I’ve spent hours sitting in parking lots, debating things like, “Is it on the going-home side of the street?” — especially if it’s a coffee concept. Ingress, egress, visibility — all these things matter. When I worked with Starbucks in the late ’90s, we always said, “We want to be on the going-to-work side of the street, through the light and on the right.”Why? Because people stop at lights, giving them a chance to look around and notice the location. Being two stores down off the corner makes a huge difference. Real estate choices can affect sales by 10-15%, which could be the difference between success and failure. A store projected to do $1 million might only do $850,000 if you pick the wrong location. That’s why we always look at the optimal spot in a trade area and work backward, assessing visibility, accessibility, and other factors.Powills: It sounds like this is your superpower — real estate. Without this foundational knowledge, franchisees might make bad decisions on both real estate and marketing.Reed: I don’t know if I’d call it a superpower. Maybe I’m the Robin of superheroes, not Batman. But yes, real estate and site selection are areas where I have years of experience. And I think you touched on something important — the psychology of the customer. It’s not just about high traffic or visibility. You need to understand who your customer is and their traffic patterns. For instance, fast food needs to be near daily needs like grocery stores. A high-end lifestyle center might be visible but attract monthly shoppers, not daily customers. It’s not about building a billboard; it’s about serving your customer.Powills: Do franchisees respect this institutional knowledge? What I’m hearing is that Layne’s doesn’t just sell chicken fingers — you’re selling real estate expertise and operational simplicity.Reed: That’s a great question. Above my office, there’s a sign that says, “Protect the brand and protect the franchisee.” That’s our core mission. Everything we do here is about supporting franchisees. We’re not just in the chicken fingers business; we’re in the business of serving our franchisees.For our current franchisees, I think this approach resonates. As for potential franchisees, we’re working hard to communicate it. Last year, we built a strong infrastructure to support franchisees, from marketing to IT to real estate. We’re not just selling a product; we’re building a system to ensure franchisee success.Powills: Let’s talk about the product. How proud are you of Layne’s chicken fingers?Reed: I think we absolutely have the best product on the market. Our chicken fingers are hand-battered and our sauces are made in-house. Everything we do is focused on quality. It’s a craveable product, and that’s key in this industry. People don’t eat chicken fingers every day, but when they think about chicken fingers, we want them to crave Layne’s. Our milkshakes, fries and chicken are second to none, and that’s what keeps customers coming back.Powills: It sounds like you’ve mastered the combination of craveability, real estate selection and operational simplicity. Even if a customer visits just one more time because of your strategic location, that can skyrocket unit economics.Reed: Absolutely. Success isn’t just about one thing; it’s about all the pieces coming together. You need great real estate, exceptional food and flawless execution. We’ve designed Layne’s to be one of the simplest brands to operate, but you still need to focus and execute. Simplicity doesn’t mean foolproof.Powills: Let’s touch on the investment. How much does it cost to get in and how much can a franchisee make?Reed: I’ll be careful here because of franchising regulations. Our Item 19 in the FDD [Franchise Disclosure Document] lays out financial performance data, and costs can vary depending on the real estate. Are you leasing or building from the ground up? What’s the cost of land and utilities in your market? We want franchisees to recoup their investment within three to three and a half years, and we’ve been able to achieve that so far.Powills: Your focus on supporting franchisees — from site selection to ROI — is impressive. It’s clear you’re betting on their success.Reed: Exactly. At the end of the day, our job is to protect the brand and the franchisee. If we do that, success will follow.Powills: What’s your vision for Layne’s over the next year and beyond?Reed: By the end of next year, we aim to have 40-43 units open. By 2030, we’d love to have several hundred units, but more important than growth is unit-level success. If our franchisees are thriving, that’s the real win. Layne’s is a family business with no exit strategy. We’re in it for the long haul.Powills: Garrett, it’s clear you’re building Layne’s the right way. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m looking forward to watching the brand’s growth.Reed: Thanks, Nick. We’re having fun and doing cool things. I appreciate the conversation.Watch the full interview with Reed above or on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26xjcObGao&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=laynes-chicken-fingers-ceo-garrett-reed-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-built-on-simplicity-quality-and-real-estate-expertise-2728137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a> to learn more about Layne’s Chicken Fingers and why it’s one of the most exciting franchise opportunities in the market today.For more interviews with those influencing the franchise industry, check out these stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/jeff-brazier-drives-kiddie-academys-growth-with-strategic-leadership-and-franchisee-support-2728033">Jeff Brazier Drives Kiddie Academy’s Growth with Strategic Leadership and Franchisee Support</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/shelly-pair-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-2727877#stories">VP Shelly Pair Shares How Children’s Lighthouse Sets Itself Apart with Hands-On Franchisee Support</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/phoenix-franchise-brands-vp-kevin-longe-share-his-journey-from-corporate-america-to-multi-brand-franchisor-2727776">Phoenix Franchise Brands VP Kevin Longe Share His Journey from Corporate America to Multi-Brand Franchisor</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-the-ceo-of-hot-palette-america-found-his-passion-in-franchising-and-built-a-consulting-empire-2727048">How the CEO of Hot Palette America Found His Passion in Franchising and Built a Consulting Empire</a></li></ul>

 Layne's Chicken Fingers: Franchise Opportunity Rooted in Simplicity, Quality, and Real Estate Expertise

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/N26xjcObGao

With a proven track record, high-quality product, and franchisee-focused infrastructure, Layne’s Chicken Fingers is poised to become a leader in the fast-casual space.

 Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO Garrett Reed Offers a Franchise Opportunity Built on Simplicity, Quality, and Real Estate Expertise

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

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

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Supports Franchisees With Top-Notch Development Team

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

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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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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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With decades of experience and adjustments behind it, Layne’s business model is remarkably scalable. A team of experts has developed resources, processes and layouts that allow Layne’s franchisees to deliver higher-quality menu items with the speed and convenience of a traditional fast-food concept.&nbsp;“A strong focus on operations and our commitment to identifying what we’re good at and growing to be even greater at it have helped us find this careful balance,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “We don’t add new menu items just to say we did, and we stay true to our identity as a chicken finger concept. Maintaining this focus has both created a steadier foundation for franchisees and further strengthened our identity as a standout option in the chicken finger space.”By elevating food quality while keeping the menu and experience affordable, accessible and easy to navigate, Layne’s can appeal to a wider range of guests, too. From college students and budding professionals to young families with kids, there’s something for everyone.While Layne’s brand identity and strong operations serve as a great jumping-off point for new franchisees, there are other considerations necessary to identify the best possible opportunity, starting with the market.<h2>Determining the Right Market for Success</h2>Once you’ve decided Layne’s is a great fit for you, you’ll need to consider how it may fit within your market.Layne’s restaurants thrive in areas with young, active populations, and it performs especially well in college towns. It’s important to analyze the current market landscape to identify areas where there is a clear demand for chicken and room for growth with a brand bringing the speed, quality and experience Layne’s does.&nbsp;The Layne’s leadership team also has rich real estate experience, and it applies this to its franchise development process.“Once we’ve identified a growth market, we’re careful to select prime real estate,” Wattar said. “When a franchisee presents a site to us, we consider whether it’s one we would develop a corporate restaurant on. We don’t just say yes to check the box and begin development on another unit.”During the development process, franchisees can work in conjunction with the leadership team to evaluate territory availability and the potential of certain sites within a market, and they will stay connected with a team of real estate experts throughout the build-out process for expert site selection, design and construction support. For many owners, this additional expertise — beyond the restaurant world — is a key differentiator and one of the primary drivers for partnering with Layne’s.“The menu is fantastic; it has a lot to offer. But from a real estate perspective, they have a great team — from site selection to construction,” said Jake Willett, a multi-unit Arkansas franchisee. “We’ve got a gorgeous building that I can build 20 to 25% cheaper than with other concepts, including building and furniture, fixtures and equipment.”<h2>Training for a Strong Launch and Long-Term Success</h2>While the pathway to signing the franchise agreement and officially becoming a Layne’s franchisee is an important one, the Layne’s team does not discount the journey from signing to grand opening and beyond.&nbsp;In addition to expert support for site selection and build-out, franchisees have access to a marketing playbook and resources that will position them to have a successful Grand Opening and continued growth thereafter.Layne’s also maintains its operational excellence systemwide by ensuring franchisees receive ample training prior to opening and support during the early days of operation.“We have a robust training program to support speed, quality and a great guest experience,” Wattar said. “Our ‘customer’ is not the person sitting in the restaurant eating chicken; it’s the franchisee. We see ourselves as a service organization, and we are dedicated to serving them and their growth as entrepreneurs through ample education and support.”As Layne’s continues along its rapid growth trajectory, this deep commitment to support is a crucial factor in maintaining the strength of the franchisee network and the quality of the Layne’s brand, no matter how big the system grows to be.By viewing the franchisee-franchisor relationship as a partnership, Layne’s builds stronger connections with franchisees and, ultimately, stronger, more successful businesses.“The leadership team has a genuine interest in franchisee profitability, which is key,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfatany">Masroor Fatany</a>, a multi-unit owner in Houston “They’ve told me not to do certain real estate deals, for example. That’s rare in franchising. Layne’s isn’t chasing unit count as their key metric, and that speaks volumes in our industry.”<h2>Why Now Is the Time To Invest With Layne’s</h2>With its home state nearly sold out,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-franchise-multi-brand-owners-2730365#featured">franchisees from major brands</a> flocking to the opportunity and an aggressive development schedule laid out for the coming years, Layne’s is a hot opportunity in the chicken space.&nbsp;As the brand expands, Layne’s stands out as a fun, high-quality option in the crowded chicken market. It offers franchisees a chance to join a fast-growing segment backed by a distinct concept and an engaged, experienced team. The time to claim a prime territory with a rising star in the chicken segment is now. As Layne’s looks toward growth in New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia, Oklahoma, the Carolinas and more, entrepreneurs have a compelling opportunity to do so with a brand that boasts a cult-like following, simple operations and unwavering support.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;

A Path to Success With Layne's Chicken Fingers Ownership

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

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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>.

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

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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, has officially been named to Entrepreneur’s 2026&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Franchise 500</a> list, ranked at No. 366. The recognition highlights&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> rapid expansion, increasing franchise demand and its emergence as an undeniable force in the chicken industry.The Franchise 500 is one of the most competitive and comprehensive franchise rankings, evaluating more than 150 data points surrounding unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power to determine the rankings.“A placement on the Franchise 500 list is a major milestone for us, and it validates the hard work of everyone throughout the Layne’s system,” said CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152">Garrett Reed</a>. “We’ve consistently emphasized franchise success, driving both unit-level performance and footprint growth, but we’ve focused on doing so without sacrificing the guest experience. This recognition speaks to our ability to maintain our quality on all fronts, bringing an attractive offering to guests and franchisees alike, as we gain momentum as an up-and-coming national brand.”Layne’s landed on the Franchise 500 after a breakout year. In 2025, the brand grew to 40 open restaurants, and with 300 additional units awarded, it is building a pipeline for a broader national footprint.In addition to rapid expansion, Layne’s continues to see incredible performance in current restaurants with average unit volumes climbing in 2025 and multiple franchisees executing six-figure openings throughout the year.With a focused menu and continued emphasis on efficient operations, Layne’s offers a unique opportunity to enter the booming chicken market with a strong business model, dedicated support structure and long runway to lasting success.“Our placement on the Franchise 500 is a testament to Layne’s quality,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-wattar-0a4187a/">Samir Wattar</a>, chief operating officer. “We’re focused on healthy growth, and we’ve kept a close focus on operations and support as we’ve expanded. We want to make sure we have the resources in place before they’re needed, and this has clearly paid off.”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>.

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Layne’s Chicken Fingers Ranked No. 366 on Entrepreneur’s 47th Annual Franchise 500

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<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, is quickly becoming one of the most-watched names in the fried chicken category. Once a quiet regional favorite, the brand has surged into the national spotlight after securing the No. 6 spot on the Restaurant Business Future 50 list — a recognition driven by a strongest growth trajectories, says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/2012019/raising-canes-vs-laynes-chicken-fingers-chain/">Tasting Table</a>.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers">Layne’s</a> opened in College Station in 1994 and remained a small Texas brand for many years. That changed when the company began franchising in 2021. The system grew to eight locations by 2022 and passed 30 stores a few years later. Operators in several states — including Arkansas, Ohio and Wisconsin — are now building out their territories, and the brand expects to be near 80 restaurants by the end of 2026. For a concept that spent years with only a handful of stores, the pace of expansion over the past few years shows how much interest the brand is drawing from both guests and prospective owners.Behind the growth is a menu that champions simplicity done exceptionally well. Layne’s is known for its crispy chicken fingers served with crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and six signature sauces, including its fan-favorite original Layne’s Sauce. The brand also offers sandwiches, grilled options, wraps and premium hand-spun shakes made with high-quality ice cream. Many locations offer halal options, giving Layne’s an immediate advantage with diners seeking more inclusive menu choices.With its combination of strong unit expansion, operational focus and a menu rooted in quality and comfort, Layne’s Chicken Fingers is earning a place in the national conversation.&nbsp;Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tastingtable.com/2012019/raising-canes-vs-laynes-chicken-fingers-chain/">here</a>.&nbsp;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>.

image of laynes chicken the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise

Tasting Table: Layne’s Chicken Fingers Rising Fast in the Fried Chicken Market

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<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne’s Chicken Fingers</a>, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, has been growing steadily for several years, but a new feature from The Daily Meal shows just how far the brand has come. The publication’s list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">10 Rising Restaurant Chains That Will Take Over in 2026</a> puts&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a> alongside some of the most talked-about names in fast casual, pointing to the chain’s sharp rise in both visibility and store count.Founded in College Station in 1994, Layne’s spent decades as a Texas favorite before launching its franchise program in 2021. That decision changed the brand’s trajectory. By mid-2025, Layne’s had reached 30 operating locations — an increase of more than 50% — and the pace has only accelerated since. According to The Daily Meal, Layne’s is on track to surpass 80 units by the end of 2026, fueled by a wave of new franchise agreements.Much of that momentum comes from development commitments made in 2025. The brand signed five new franchise deals in Q3 alone, opening the door to expansion in Oregon, deeper growth in Wisconsin and a major 52-unit buildout across West Texas. These agreements reflect growing demand from experienced operators looking for a scalable model, clean operations and a recognizable customer favorite in a crowded chicken category.The article also pointed to Layne’s staying power. While many chains rise quickly and fade, Layne’s has taken the long view — refining its menu, service and systems for nearly three decades before scaling nationally. That consistency, combined with a focused menu and an authentic Texas-born identity, gives the brand strong footing as it enters new markets.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedailymeal.com/2026195/restaurant-chains-take-over-in-2026/">here</a>.&nbsp;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 Offers a Franchise Opportunity Built on Simplicity, Quality, and Real Estate Expertise

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