Prime Picks: Six Emerging Fried Chicken Franchises for Investment

The fried chicken segment — worth an impressive $70 billion — continues to thrive, with new and exciting franchise opportunities cropping up for savvy investors. If you're looking to get in on the ground floor of a brand with high growth potential, these six emerging fried chicken franchises offer compelling investment opportunities.

Southern Classic Chicken

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• Founded: 1989
• Headquarters: Shreveport, Louisiana
• Number of Locations: 17+
• Initial Investment: $777,500 - $1,235,500
• Franchise Fee: $40,000

Southern Classic Chicken has been serving up delicious fried chicken for over 35 years, becoming a beloved institution in Louisiana and surrounding states. Known for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken and classic Southern sides, the brand started franchising in 2019 and is steadily expanding its footprint. Franchisees benefit from a time-tested business model, strong regional brand recognition and a menu that resonates with loyal customers. Its drive-thru and walk-up model, for example — a longstanding feature well before the COVID-19 pandemic — streamlines operations for franchisees and ensures quick service for customers.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers*

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• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: College Station, Texas
• Number of Locations: 17
• Initial Investment: $446,500 - $1,015,000
• Franchise Fee: $42,500 - $45,000

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a Texas favorite, has built a strong reputation for its simple yet irresistible offering: crispy chicken fingers paired with house-made sauces. Known for its down-to-earth vibe and friendly customer service, Layne’s has created a loyal following that keeps customers coming back. As it expands beyond Texas, franchisees are drawn to the brand’s efficient operations, strong leadership team and growing demand. For investors, Layne’s represents an exciting chance to be part of a franchise that’s primed for national growth.

Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken

• Founded: 2021
• Headquarters: Springfield, Virginia
• Number of Locations: 78
• Initial Investment: $305,500 - $518,000
• Franchise Fee: $35,000

Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken is quickly making a name for itself with its Nashville-style hot chicken, attracting spicy food lovers across the U.S. With its flavorful, customizable heat levels and bold flavors, Hangry Joe’s has capitalized on the growing demand for hot chicken. Despite being a newer player in the market, the brand has expanded rapidly since launching in 2021, making it an exciting opportunity for franchisees looking to tap into a fast-growing niche in the fried chicken space.

Starbird

• Founded: 2016
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California
• Number of Locations: 15
• Initial Investment: $1,116,907 - $1,470,263
• Franchise Fee: $40,000

Starbird is redefining fast food with its "super-premium" fried chicken concept, focusing on high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and chef-driven recipes. Franchisees benefit from a streamlined operation model, a fresh brand image and a strong emphasis on customer experience. In 2023, Starbird Chicken was named the winner of Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown, coming in the top spot against nine chicken chains.

Chick N Max

• Founded: 2017
• Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas
• Number of Locations: 5
• Initial Investment: $410,500 - $997,500
• Franchise Fee: $35,000

Chick N Max is a fast-casual concept offering a modern take on Southern-style fried and smoked chicken. With a menu that features everything from crispy fried chicken tenders to smoked half-chickens and sandwiches, Chick N Max appeals to customers seeking both comfort food and innovative flavor combinations. A seasoned Subway operator recently signed a multi-unit deal to open three Chick N Max restaurants in southwestern Missouri.

Huey Magoo’s

• Founded: 2004
• Headquarters: Orlando, Florida
• Number of Locations: 13
• Initial Investment: $411,480 - $1,259,300
• Franchise Fee: $35,000

Huey Magoo’s is quickly becoming a staple in the fried chicken finger market. With a commitment to serving high-quality, fresh chicken tenders free of antibiotics and hormones, the brand is appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking a cleaner alternative in the QSR (quick-service restaurant) space. Huey Magoo’s simple, focused menu and strong franchisee support make it an attractive investment for those seeking a brand with a loyal following and room for growth.

Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.