Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the rapidly growing, Texas-based chicken finger franchise, is bringing its Soon to be FamousTM chicken to the Mid-Atlantic region. With existing locations in Virginia and West Virginia, the team has laid out a strategic growth plan to continue expanding down through the Carolinas, building brand awareness along the East Coast.
“The Carolinas and the broader Mid-Atlantic region present significant growth opportunities for us,” said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer. “There is minimal competition in the area, and we’ve already begun building brand awareness with Warrenton, Virginia; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Roswell, Georgia, restaurants. Now, we’re working to capitalize on the existing awareness of and affinity for Layne’s to build out the entire market.”
Layne’s growth strategy has long focused on planting flagship stores in key markets and then expanding in concentric circles, positioning franchisees to build on existing excitement around the brand as they launch and continue growing that momentum for the entire system.
When Layne’s strategically enters markets and establishes a strong presence before competitors, it sets the standard. Even as competition opens nearby, its restaurants continue to thrive.
“The Bergesons in Janesville, Wisconsin, are a perfect example of how this plays out,” Wattar said. “They opened in April 2024, and in January 2025, a major competitor opened across the street from them. That competitor is a great company, and people love to compare them to us, but even since they opened, our Janesville location has not lost anything.”
In fact, Layne’s of Janesville saw sales increase in January, despite the introduction of new competition and the fact that it’s traditionally a slow month.
This success underscores Layne’s ability to establish a loyal following in new markets, a strategy it now aims to replicate in the Mid-Atlantic.
While there is incredible growth potential across the Mid-Atlantic market, the Layne’s team is more focused on the franchisees it will partner with rather than targeting a specific number of franchises awarded.
“We’re placing an emphasis on the franchisee fit — someone who understands the restaurant business and will be as committed to protecting this brand as we are,” Wattar said. “Once we’ve found the right partners, we’ll determine the exact numbers and the capacity of each market. But for now, I want to focus on whether someone is a fit with what we’re doing — not how many units they want to open.”
As it begins expansion in the area, Layne’s is looking to expand in major cities within North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, creating additional hubs from which the brand can continue growing.
Franchisees who choose to expand with Layne’s in the Mid-Atlantic will have access to unmatched training and support to power their growth.
Layne’s seeks experienced business owners, but it provides extensive support to ensure franchisees have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their prior experience. This includes a dedicated support team and a proactive approach to planning that keeps Layne’s infrastructure ahead of the needs of the growing system.
As soon as franchisees sign their agreement, they enter what is known as the “relay race,” a process that ensures owners are always connected with a member of the support team. This creates a seamless journey from day one to opening day and beyond.
“It’s all about the franchisee,” Wattar said. “Everyone in this office — we’re not in the restaurant business; we’re in the service business. Our franchisees pay royalties for us to provide a service, and we provide the absolute best service we can.”
As Layne’s continues expanding along the East Coast, it remains committed to providing franchisees with industry-leading support, ensuring long-term success in every new market.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
Layne's Chicken Fingers
SPONSORED
With strategic growth plans in place, Layne’s is targeting growth in the Carolinas and beyond to expand on its existing presence in Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia.
Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the rapidly growing, Texas-based chicken finger franchise, is bringing its Soon to be FamousTM chicken to the Mid-Atlantic region. With existing locations in Virginia and West Virginia, the team has laid out a strategic growth plan to continue expanding down through the Carolinas, building brand awareness along the East Coast.
“The Carolinas and the broader Mid-Atlantic region present significant growth opportunities for us,” said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer. “There is minimal competition in the area, and we’ve already begun building brand awareness with Warrenton, Virginia; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Roswell, Georgia, restaurants. Now, we’re working to capitalize on the existing awareness of and affinity for Layne’s to build out the entire market.”
Layne’s growth strategy has long focused on planting flagship stores in key markets and then expanding in concentric circles, positioning franchisees to build on existing excitement around the brand as they launch and continue growing that momentum for the entire system.
When Layne’s strategically enters markets and establishes a strong presence before competitors, it sets the standard. Even as competition opens nearby, its restaurants continue to thrive.
“The Bergesons in Janesville, Wisconsin, are a perfect example of how this plays out,” Wattar said. “They opened in April 2024, and in January 2025, a major competitor opened across the street from them. That competitor is a great company, and people love to compare them to us, but even since they opened, our Janesville location has not lost anything.”
In fact, Layne’s of Janesville saw sales increase in January, despite the introduction of new competition and the fact that it’s traditionally a slow month.
This success underscores Layne’s ability to establish a loyal following in new markets, a strategy it now aims to replicate in the Mid-Atlantic.
While there is incredible growth potential across the Mid-Atlantic market, the Layne’s team is more focused on the franchisees it will partner with rather than targeting a specific number of franchises awarded.
“We’re placing an emphasis on the franchisee fit — someone who understands the restaurant business and will be as committed to protecting this brand as we are,” Wattar said. “Once we’ve found the right partners, we’ll determine the exact numbers and the capacity of each market. But for now, I want to focus on whether someone is a fit with what we’re doing — not how many units they want to open.”
As it begins expansion in the area, Layne’s is looking to expand in major cities within North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, creating additional hubs from which the brand can continue growing.
Franchisees who choose to expand with Layne’s in the Mid-Atlantic will have access to unmatched training and support to power their growth.
Layne’s seeks experienced business owners, but it provides extensive support to ensure franchisees have the resources they need to succeed, regardless of their prior experience. This includes a dedicated support team and a proactive approach to planning that keeps Layne’s infrastructure ahead of the needs of the growing system.
As soon as franchisees sign their agreement, they enter what is known as the “relay race,” a process that ensures owners are always connected with a member of the support team. This creates a seamless journey from day one to opening day and beyond.
“It’s all about the franchisee,” Wattar said. “Everyone in this office — we’re not in the restaurant business; we’re in the service business. Our franchisees pay royalties for us to provide a service, and we provide the absolute best service we can.”
As Layne’s continues expanding along the East Coast, it remains committed to providing franchisees with industry-leading support, ensuring long-term success in every new market.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
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