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Fried chicken franchises are a solid investment, offering tasty returns in a highly competitive yet rewarding fast-food market. From long standing industry giants to up-and-coming contenders, here are six must-invest fried chicken franchises that promise strong returns.<h3><a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chick-fil-A&nbsp;</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 1967 — Atlanta, Georgia</li><li>Number of Locations: 3,000+</li><li>Initial Investment: $10,000</li><li>Franchise Fee: $10,000</li></ul>As one of the most recognizable names in the fried chicken space, Chick-fil-A leads the pack with its signature customer service and high standards. In 2023, stores saw $7.45 million in average sales per unit, according to QSR Magazine which ranked the brand as the top&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/slideshow/these-15-fast-food-chains-earn-the-most-per-restaurant/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=top-15-us-quick-service-chains-earning-the-most-per-restaurant-2727308&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fast food brand earning the most per restaurant</a>. Chick-fil-A continues to expand, offering franchisees substantial returns despite its unique franchise model that requires a low initial franchise fee but highly selective ownership requirements.<h3><a href="https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zaxbys</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 1990 — Statesboro, Georgia</li><li>Number of Locations: 940+</li><li>Initial Investment: $1,391,700 - $3,266,200&nbsp;</li><li>Franchise Fee:&nbsp;$35,000</li></ul>Zaxbys has become a household name among consumers and franchisees, especially in the Southeastern United States. Franchised restaurants saw average gross revenues of $2,721,224 in 2023, according to the brand’s 2024 FDD, making it an attractive investment for entrepreneurs looking for robust sales performance in the fast-casual fried chicken segment.<h3><a href="https://elpollolocofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">El Pollo Loco</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 1975 — Guasave, Sinaloa (Mexico)</li><li>Number of Locations: 480+</li><li>Initial Investment: $779,750 - $2,655,500</li><li>Franchise Fee:&nbsp;$40,000</li></ul>El Pollo Loco brings a unique angle to the fried chicken market with its flame-grilled chicken and a strong focus on Mexican-inspired cuisine. The brand's differentiation strategy makes it a compelling option for franchisees looking to stand out in the crowded fast-food industry. In 2023,&nbsp; average sales reached $2.2 million per unit, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/slideshow/these-15-fast-food-chains-earn-the-most-per-restaurant/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=top-15-us-quick-service-chains-earning-the-most-per-restaurant-2727308&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QSR</a> report.&nbsp;<h3><a href="https://franchising.popeyes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Popeyes</a></h3><ul><li>Founded: 1976 — Arabi, Louisiana</li><li>Number of Locations: 4,000+</li><li>Initial Investment: $471,000 - $3,875,700</li><li>Franchise Fee: $50,000</li></ul>Popeyes continues to grow globally, backed by its famous spicy fried chicken and popular chicken sandwiches. According to its 2023 FDD, the average sales for franchised restaurants reached $1,821,041 in 2022, reflecting a solid return on investment for franchisees. With innovative marketing strategies and a global brand presence, Popeyes is a leader in the fast-food chicken segment.<h3><a href="https://southernclassicchickenfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Southern Classic Chicken</a></h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken/info">1851 Brand Page</a>&nbsp;<ul><li>Founded: 1989 — Shreveport, Louisiana</li><li>Number of Locations: Over 17 (primarily in Louisiana and surrounding areas)</li><li>Initial Investment: $777,500 - $1,235,500</li><li>Franchise Fee: $40,000</li></ul>Southern Classic Chicken has deep roots in Louisiana, where the brand has steadily grown. In 2020, the company saw&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken/fried-chicken-drive-thru-and-family-how-southern-classic-chickens-35-year-old-keep-it-simple-franchise-model-is-earning-industry-best-sales-volume-2723476#stories">drive-thru sales increase by more than 20%, and AUVs rose from $2,077,182 in 2020 to $2,673,102 in 2022</a>. With a simple operations model and strong unit economics, the brand is gaining recognition among savvy entrepreneurs.&nbsp;<h3><a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Layne's Chicken Fingers</a></h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">1851 Brand Page</a><ul><li>Founded: 1994 — College Station, Texas</li><li>Number of Locations: 17 (primarily in Texas)</li><li>Initial Investment:$446,500 - $1,015,000</li><li>Franchise Fee: $42,500 - $45,000</li></ul>Layne&#x2019;s Chicken Fingers* has built a loyal following in Texas and beyond with its simple yet delicious menu focusing on chicken fingers and Southern hospitality. The brand is expanding rapidly, and its affordable initial investment makes it an attractive option for franchisees looking to tap into a proven concept. In the middle of 2024, the franchise already reported an&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/laynes-chicken-fingers-reports-strong-midyear-momentum-11-same-store-sales-growth-and-double-digit-traffic-increases-2726968#stories">11% increase in same-store sales</a> compared to the prior year and double-digit growth in customer traffic.In addition to offering delicious food, these six fried chicken franchises provide entrepreneurs with the potential for significant financial returns. Whether you’re looking to invest in an established giant like Chick-fil-A or an emerging brand like Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the fried chicken industry remains a highly lucrative space.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit <a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=six-must-invest-fried-chicken-franchises-for-maximum-returns-2727496" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Six Must-Invest Fried Chicken Franchises for Maximum Returns

Six Must-Invest Fried Chicken Franchises for High Returns

1851 Franchise

These six fried chicken franchises, from industry giants like Chick-fil-A to emerging brands like Layne’s Chicken Fingers, offer strong investment potential and substantial returns.

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BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Welcomes New Franchisees Alejandra Hernandez and Sandrine Rattier in San Diego, California

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TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue and Lifewise Partner To Deliver Safer, Healthier Homes for Seniors

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke’s Sets Sights on Columbus for Franchise Growth

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Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier Enters Montana with First Conversion Deal in Bozeman

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Strategic Franchising

What Makes a Franchise Opportunity Stand Out with Strategic Franchising Systems?

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