Why Southern Classic Chicken is Ideal for Multi-Unit Operators

In an industry where consistency and quality set the benchmarks for success, Southern Classic Chicken emerges as a sterling opportunity for multi-unit operators looking to diversify or augment their portfolios. With a robust track record of 35 years, an impressive Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $3.97 million for the top third of restaurants, and a brand refresh that signals a new era of growth, Southern Classic Chicken stands as a compelling prospect in the fried chicken segment.

Proven Model, High Volume, Streamlined Operations 

Nick Binnings, who spearheads Southern Classic Chicken's Franchise Development and is a franchisee himself in Louisiana, says that the brand’s business model is tailor-made for multi-unit operators. 

"SCC represents a great opportunity for multi-unit operators because it is a scalable and proven brand with 35 years of success,” said Binnings. “Multi-unit operators seek consistency, experience and a track record of success. Southern Classic Chicken has all of that.”

Southern Classic Chicken has been a family institution in North Louisiana for over three decades. The brand offers franchise owners a simple yet powerful business model, which has been perfected with superior quality food and exceptional value, deeply rooted in family traditions and a commitment to the finest ingredients. 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.

And when it comes to the numbers, the investment model is balanced with a good cost-to-sales ratio, making it a sound investment in the fried chicken segment.

“Despite a general downturn in the restaurant sector, with the industry experiencing sales declines of 8% to 17%, Southern Classic Chicken has maintained a steady volume of business,” said Tom O'Keefe, Managing Director of SCC. “This resilience is a major testament to the brand's strength and the loyalty of its customer base, who value the consistent, high-quality and affordable offerings even in tough times.”

Nowhere is this recession-resistant success more apparent than in SCC’s robust AUV, which has impressively reached $3.97 million this past year, according to the brand’s franchise disclosure document.

But those kinds of sales don’t come without work, Binnings says. “This is a very high volume concept from a compact 1,500 square foot space — that means operators really need that restaurant managerial and operational experience,” he said. “This is also a semi-absentee model — with high volumes, you can afford to hire a management team to handle the day-to-day.”

Why Now is the Time to Join

Now, as Southern Classic Chicken embarks on franchise expansion from Texas to Mississippi and the Southern parts of Louisiana, Binnings says the team isn’t looking to partner with just anyone. 

"We are looking for the right fit — people who understand the model and the culture, with the ability to scale," said Binnings. “We have the systems and processes in place to expand across the country, but we just started franchising, so we aren’t in a huge hurry. We want to grow the right way and finding multi-unit operators will be a big part of that.”

With a scalable model, a winning formula and a strategic expansion plan in place, Southern Classic Chicken is an excellent addition to any multi-unit operator's portfolio. 

To learn more about franchising with Southern Classic Chicken, visit: https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken