With an Accessible, Laid Back Feel, Layne’s Chicken Fingers Finds Strong Success in College Towns

Soon to be FamousTM Layne’s Chicken Fingers is working on its status nationwide, but it’s already a fan-favorite in College Station, Texas. Since its 1994 inception, the concept has been beloved for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable (but delicious) menu items and community-first approach.

“I was a student and needed a part-time job when I joined Layne’s in 2002,” said Director of Operations Adrian Capetillo. “We were just a little mom-and-pop shop when I first started. We didn’t have a strict schedule, and there were maybe 10 people who worked there. We weren’t embedded as much, but year after year, we just became an even bigger part of the community. People call A&M a cult already, so when we became fully integrated with that, we really had a hold on the community.”

Capetillo explains that, as Layne’s became more and more beloved throughout the community, Texans’ displays of affection for it became more and more grandiose. First, there were some regulars who would come for lunch every day. Then, graduates would make a point to swing by Layne’s for a bite when they returned for football games. 

Now, Layne’s has been a part of some guests’ biggest days.

“We’ve had a wedding at Layne’s,” Capetillo said. “And it’s kind of dark, but someone has been buried in a Layne’s shirt. People just love Layne’s and get stuck on it.”

Much of Layne’s success in the context of the college town specifically can be attributed to its accessibility. In College Station, Layne’s serves as a great first job opportunity for high school and college students, and while everyone throughout the system remains committed to quality, there is a unique atmosphere that comes from college-aged kids serving other college-aged kids.

“This dynamic makes it fun, and it makes us relatable to the large captive audience,” Capetillo said. “Plus, our offerings are what people want. It’s fried food! In my college years, I loved going to grab a beer and enjoy a meal. Layne’s is a great place to go after a night out for some good food — it just works with the clientele.”

Layne’s has also stayed committed to its financial accessibility.

“There have been times where supply costs have increased, but we do what we can to protect the guest from that,” said Chief Operating Officer Samir Wattar. “When systemwide revenue goes up, it’s because our traffic has gone up, not because we’re just passing price hikes along to the consumer.”

“That was one of Mike Garratt’s (one of the restaurant’s owners) huge goals,” Capetillo said. “He never wanted us to be super expensive. He wanted it to be affordable for the average Joe, the working guy who wants to stop by for lunch. Mike was really proud of that, and keeping prices low is something that certainly helps us stay popular with the college kids looking for a deal.”

As it grows, Layne’s is steadily becoming a national brand, not just a local business. With its roots in a college town and the right people leading the way, the franchise continues to offer a strong value proposition for franchisees and guests alike.

“If you’re looking to start a business in a college town, I think now’s the time, and Layne’s is a great option,” Capetillo said. “We’re right on the brink of going big nationwide, but we’ve proven we can be a huge success in the markets we enter. It’s a good time and a great opportunity to get into the restaurant business or diversify your portfolio.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 

https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.