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Layne’s Expands Leadership Team, Appointing Ashley Reynolds as Director of Marketing

The chicken finger franchise is quickly growing, awarding 91 new restaurants in Q1 of 2024 alone. To sustain its rapid expansion, Layne’s has further developed its corporate team.

By Erica InmanStaff Writer
SPONSORED 12:12PM 06/17/24

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be FamousTM chicken tender franchise, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ashley Reynolds as the new director of marketing. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Reynolds brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for marketing and customer engagement to the Layne's team.

“We had a need for a very marketing-minded person,” said Samir Wattar, Layne’s chief operating officer. “Ashley fits the bill perfectly. The experience she brings to this position will help support the brand’s continued expansion. We were looking for someone who understands who we are and where we want to go without changing the culture or essence of Layne's Chicken Fingers.”

Reynolds began her career at 18, waiting tables, and quickly fell in love with the industry. 

“This will be my 22nd year in hospitality,” Reynolds said. “I found a passion for marketing and went back to school to finish my marketing degree. I love having that mix of sales and marketing, being the voice of the customer, which Samir is super passionate about.”

The Layne’s leadership team has always taken great pride in attracting and selecting high-quality candidates. Wattar has consistently highlighted the importance of safeguarding both the brand and the franchisees. This focus is paying off, as evidenced by the increasing interest from prospective owners. As Layne’s expands, more individuals recognize the value within the system and are eager to join before prime territories are taken.

Reynolds has an extensive background in both sales and marketing, having spent nearly a decade at Jason's Deli and more recently at Topgolf. Her journey to Layne's began with a serendipitous connection when some friends of hers through Jason’s Deli reached out to let her know Layne’s was growing and was in need of a marketing specialist. 

“I met with Samir and [CEO] Garrett [Reed], and our personalities aligned,” she said. “It’s been amazing since the very first week. My new mantra is ‘think big, plan small.’ With the growth we’re poised to have, it's more about getting the foundation in place while maintaining the culture and tone. We're focusing on making processes and communications easy for our franchisees, ensuring that as we grow, the customer remains at the heart of everything we do.”

Reynold’s customer-centric approach aligns perfectly with the brand’s culture and goals. 

“We don't take ourselves very seriously, but we take the business very, very seriously. Ashley fits that balance. She is very focused on providing the best experience possible to the customer,” said Wattar.

As Layne's prepares for its next phase of growth, the addition of Reynolds to the corporate team showcases the brand’s commitment to remaining true to its culture and roots while continuing to innovate and expand. Her extensive experience and customer-centric approach are set to drive Layne's forward, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info. 

*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.

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