Why Layne’s Is a Great Opportunity for Multi-Unit Franchisees

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous™ fried chicken franchise that has 14 units open and another 113 sold, is growing rapidly across the U.S. Much of this expansion is driven by multi-unit franchisees who have chosen to partner with the brand because of its optimized support, streamlined model and impressive growth potential.

“The biggest highlight is our food. We have craveable food, and we make it with simplified operations,” said Layne’s Chief Operating Officer Samir Wattar. “We focus on one product, and it’s a great product. This makes inventory, equipment, training and in-restaurant operations a lot easier. Layne’s has the most streamlined operations of any restaurant I’ve experienced.”

While the food is a key contributor to the simplicity of the restaurant itself, it’s also a major driver for franchisees’ interest. Though Layne’s is still an emerging brand, it has captured the hearts of guests in multiple major markets. When a prospective franchisee approaches the brand with this knowledge, the fact that operations are so simple makes the opportunity even more attractive.

In addition to the business model itself, the Layne’s leadership team has worked hard to ensure franchisees are supported through every step of the process, regardless of whether they are developing their first or fifth restaurant.

“I’m thankful to the brand; they’re very supportive,” said Masroor Fatany, a multi-unit Layne’s owner in Texas. “They are always there to support me in terms of marketing, real estate and supply chain. Whatever resources need to be allocated from the corporate side, they’ll always give that support without me asking. They’re always there to answer any questions. Their whole take on how to treat franchisees is unique to the market, and I think that’s what really sets them apart from many other franchisors.”

“Our philosophy as a leadership team is that we are not in the restaurant business, we are in the service business,” said Wattar. “Franchisees are in the restaurant business. We provide services to the franchisees.”

One way that service mentality shines through is in the leadership team’s emphasis on protecting the franchisee. This looks different in every scenario, but it always guides the team to be available, supportive and ready to provide valuable input when a franchisee seeks guidance.

“Our franchisees can pick up the phone and call us, and someone will answer,” said Wattar. “We truly live by two models in the office: protect the brand, and protect the franchisee. Everything we do revolves around those two things, and because it is so firmly baked into our culture, that approach won’t change, regardless of how large we grow to be.”

Fatany and Wattar both explained that consistent effort and franchisee support is what helps Layne’s franchisees grow.

“I think it’s critical that a lot of time is spent on the first store. That really determines how you’re going to do,” said Fatany. “Once there’s some momentum, it really takes off.”

Wattar compared this ramping up process to that of growing a tree. As franchisees work to grow their “trees,” the corporate team helps with the proverbial watering and pruning.

“For the first year after planting the tree, you have to water, trim and fertilize it regularly,” he explained. “By the third year, you let it grow on its own. You may water it once a week, but you’ve laid such a strong foundation that you’re left with so much fruit that you’re giving it away to your neighbors. That’s what we support our franchisees in building as they expand to restaurants two, three and so on.”

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