Southern Classic Chicken Sets Sights on Dallas and Houston for Franchise Expansion

Southern Classic Chicken, the rapidly growing Louisiana-based fried chicken franchise, is setting its sights on Texas, with a particular focus on Dallas and Houston. Following the brand's successful presence in Louisiana and Arkansas and the establishment of two locations in Texas, Southern Classic Chicken is now poised to significantly expand its footprint in these dynamic Texas markets.

"With our brand's recent revitalization and the undeniable popularity of fried chicken in the south, we see Dallas and Houston as the perfect next step for our franchise," said Thomas E. O'Keefe, the Managing Director of Southern Classic Chicken.

The fast food industry in Texas is valued at a whopping $39.5 billion. In 2023, the Dallas-Fort Worth region continued to lead U.S. metro areas in economic growth. Over the past five years, this area has added over 600,000 new jobs and has attracted numerous company relocations and expansions, contributing to its dynamic job market. A recent report ranked the city as one of the top 10 best metropolitan areas to start a small business. Houston, on the other hand, ranks highly in terms of residential financial health, contributing to its economic strength. 

These factors make both Dallas and Houston attractive markets for Southern Classic Chicken's expansion, offering a vibrant economic environment and a growing labor force that aligns well with the brand's growth strategy and objectives????. The team has identified room to open 20-25 units in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and 17-24 units in Houston. Each new location is expected to create approximately 35-45 jobs, contributing significantly to local economies. 

"Fried chicken transcends various segments, and these two cities show similar characteristics to our successful locations in Louisiana," O’Keefe said. "Our experience in Shreveport, for example, and other similar markets gives us confidence in our appeal to the diverse Texas demographic."

Over the past year, Southern Classic Chicken has continued to build out its business model, including the rollout of a refreshed brand identity and a modernized restaurant prototype in Bossier City, Louisiana. This redesign not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also boosts operational efficiency, especially in the drive-thru segment.

“This is more than just a facelift — it's a tangible representation of our commitment to adapt and grow in a rapidly evolving market,” O’Keefe said.

The brand's track record of success, coupled with a recent brand refresh and impressive average unit volume (AUV) of $3,974,144, according to the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document, positions it as an attractive opportunity for potential franchisees in the booming chicken industry. 

“Our vision is to build strong relationships with our franchisees and offer extensive support, especially in new markets like Texas,” O’Keefe said. “Our goal is not just to expand but to ensure each franchisee’s success, reflecting our brand's values and commitment to quality.”

The company remains deeply rooted in its family-oriented foundation, a legacy that began with founder Leon Fanning's backyard fried chicken and has since grown into a beloved regional brand. This family-centric approach extends to the franchise model, with a focus on partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs who share the brand's values and passion for quality.

"When it comes to the Southern Classic Chicken franchise, the product speaks for itself, the unit level economics are very attractive and now, with this new look, we believe that we align with, if not exceed, the competitive set," said O'Keefe. “We have all the ingredients to take this franchise to new markets now that we’ve honed it to become a very unique and attractive franchise opportunity in today’s market. The time has never been better to join Southern Classic Chicken.”

To learn more, visit: https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken/