1851

The fried chicken segment — worth an impressive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/fried-chicken-franchises-market-112887?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$70 billion</a> — 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.<h3><a href="https://southernclassicchickenfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Southern Classic Chicken</a></h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken/info">1851 Brand Page&nbsp;</a><ul><li>Founded: 1989</li><li>Headquarters:&nbsp;Shreveport, Louisiana</li><li>Number of Locations:&nbsp;17+</li><li>Initial Investment: $777,500 - $1,235,500</li><li>Franchise Fee: $40,000</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken/franchising-magazine-usa-southern-classic-chicken-revolutionizes-drive-thru-walk-up-only-model-2724497">drive-thru and walk-up model</a>, for example — a longstanding feature well before the COVID-19 pandemic — streamlines operations for franchisees and ensures quick service for customers.<h3><a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne&#x2019;s Chicken Fingers*</a></h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">1851 Brand Page</a><ul><li>Founded:&nbsp;1994</li><li>Headquarters:&nbsp;College Station, Texas</li><li>Number of Locations: 17</li><li>Initial Investment: $446,500 - $1,015,000</li><li>Franchise Fee: $42,500 - $45,000</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/how-laynes-wins-with-consumers-culture-community-and-experience-2727359#featured">down-to-earth vibe and friendly customer service</a>, 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.<h3><a href="https://hangryjoes.com/franchise-info/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 2021</li><li>Headquarters:&nbsp;Springfield, Virginia</li><li>Number of Locations: 78</li><li>Initial Investment: $305,500 - $518,000</li><li>Franchise Fee: $35,000</li></ul>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.<h3><a href="https://www.starbirdchicken.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Starbird</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 2016</li><li>Headquarters:&nbsp;San Francisco, California</li><li>Number of Locations:&nbsp;15</li><li>Initial Investment: $1,116,907 - $1,470,263</li><li>Franchise Fee: $40,000</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/starbird-chicken-named-winner-nation-s-restaurant-news-chicken-showdown?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown</a>, coming in the top spot against nine chicken chains. The brand currently boasts an AUV of $4.1 million.<h3><a href="https://chicknmaxfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chick N Max</a></h3><ul><li>Founded:&nbsp;2017</li><li>Headquarters:&nbsp;Wichita, Kansas</li><li>Number of Locations: 5</li><li>Initial Investment: $410,500 - $997,500</li><li>Franchise Fee: $35,000</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/03/30/springfield-restaurant-news-chick-n-max-coming-to-ozarks/73104558007/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recently signed a multi-unit deal</a> to open three Chick N Max restaurants in southwestern Missouri.<h3><a href="https://hueymagoos.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Huey Magoo’s</a></h3><ul><li>Founded:&nbsp;2004</li><li>Headquarters: Orlando, Florida</li><li>Number of Locations: 13</li><li>Initial Investment: $411,480 - $1,259,300</li><li>Franchise Fee: $35,000</li></ul>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&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment-2727449" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Six Exciting Emerging Fried Chicken Franchises for Investment Opportunities

1851 Franchise

Take a look at these six emerging franchise brands that are hatching big opportunities in the beloved fried chicken market.

Prime Picks: Six Emerging Fried Chicken Franchises for Investment

prime-picks-six-emerging-fried-chicken-franchises-for-investment

Griswold

Griswold Franchisee Beth Copeland Featured in Entrepreneur Magazine

griswold-franchisee-beth-copeland-featured-in-entrepreneur-magazine

Fresh Coat

Photo of two Fresh Coat franchise owners wearing branded polos

How Fresh Coat Franchisees Scale Through Commercial and Multi-Family Projects

scale-painting-franchise-commercial-projects

Beansquad

Franchise Financial Health Check: BeanSquad’s Diagnostic Approach to Bookkeeping

franchise-financial-health-check-beansquads-diagnostic-approach-to-bookkeeping

Paris Baguette

Photo of cross section of Paris Baguette croissant

Is the Paris Baguette Franchise Worth the Investment? Understanding the Franchise Fee and ROI

paris-baguette-franchise-cost-roi

Photo of Paris Baguette croissants and cup of hot coffee

Paris Baguette Ranked No. 112 in 2025 Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurants Report, Climbing Over 20 Spots From Prior Year

paris-baguette-technomic-top-500-ranking-2025

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Keurig Dr Pepper Splits in $18 Billion JDE Peet’s Deal, Creating Global Coffee Giant

keurig-dr-pepper-splits-in-18-billion-jde-peets-deal-creating-global-coffee-giant

Cleaning Franchises Offer Stability and Scalability in a Changing Economic Landscape

cleaning-franchises-offer-stability-and-scalability-in-a-changing-economic-landscape

Why Buying Into a Franchise Is About More Than Just Brand Recognition

why-buying-into-a-franchise-is-about-more-than-just-brand-recognition

"Top 15 Health & Wellness Franchises" note against blue and purple background

Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025

top-health-and-wellness-franchises

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Prime Picks: Six Emerging Fried Chicken Franchises for Investment

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS