Top Six Fried Chicken Franchises Worth Your Investment

In the highly competitive fast food world, fried chicken has been a constant. People love it, and businesses love to sell it. Often, the business model for a fried chicken restaurant can be kept relatively simple while still pulling in impressive revenues. Still, restaurants are expensive. Here are six of the best fried chicken franchise opportunities that are actually worth your investment.

Southern Classic Chicken

1851 Brand Page 

Unit Count: 17

Initial Investment: $777,500 - $1,235,500

Franchise Fee: $40,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $3.9 million

Founded in Shreveport, Louisiana, Southern Classic Chicken is just that — a classic. With crispy fried chicken and high-quality, fresh sides, the brand offers an opportunity for franchisees to be a part of a growing brand while bringing a taste of the South to their communities. 

Because Southern Classic Chicken’s investment range starts a bit lower than many restaurant brands, but it still notes multi-million dollar unit volumes, franchisees have an opportunity to secure a strong return on their investment.

Zaxby’s

Unit Count: 972

Initial Investment: $1,406,700 - $3,323,200

Franchise Fee: $35,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $2.7 million

Zaxby’s is a fried chicken franchise that’s concentrated primarily in the Southeast. The brand focuses on wings and tenders but has expanded to include sandwiches, salads and sides on the menu as well.

The brand’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) notes an average unit volume of $2.7 million, but the AUV of the top quartile of reporting restaurants exceeded $3.8 million.

KFC

Unit Count: 25,000+

Initial Investment: $1,052,825 - $3,771,550

Franchise Fee: $45,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $1,341,385

KFC is an iconic chicken brand with tens of thousands of locations worldwide and a flexible investment model. With co-branded restaurants, non-traditional build-out options and a flexible approach to more traditional real estate, the opportunity is highly customizable.

According to KFC’s 2023 FDD, reports from 2,952 single-brand restaurants indicated average net sales of $1.3 million.

Bojangles

Unit Count: 815+

Initial Investment: $720,220 - $3,779,700

Franchise Fee: $20,000 - $35,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $1.6 - $2 million

Bojangles is a fried chicken-focused franchise that has also ventured into the breakfast space. The brand has 45 years of experience and strong brand awareness among consumers, making it an interesting opportunity for franchisees.

Because of its flexible build-out model and high profit potential, franchisees are positioned to secure a strong return on their investment with a Bojangles restaurant. According to the brand’s 2024 FDD, system-wide gross sales for fiscal year 2023 were nearly $1.8 billion, with the majority of restaurants pulling in between $1.6 million and $2 million per year.

Layne's Chicken Fingers

1851 Brand Page 

Unit Count: 17

Initial Investment: $446,500 - $1,015,000

Franchise Fee: $40,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $1.8 million

Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers* has built a cult following with its juicy, crispy tenders and house-made dipping sauces.

As it continues to grow across the country, Layne’s has captured the attention of multiple high-caliber, multi-brand franchisees, proving the strength of the model. Although Layne’s streamlined operations model allows for an even more accessible initial investment, the brand’s 2024 FDD shows that franchisees still have the potential to run a million-dollar restaurant.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Unit Count: 2,900+

Initial Investment: $109,500 - $1,870,800

Franchise Fee: $50,000

Return on Investment (Item 19): $1.8 million

Popeyes is a fried chicken restaurant that focuses on including Cajun and Creole flavor profiles and foods on its menu. Its “New Orleans style menu” helps it stand out among customers, and with a flexible development model, the brand is accessible to many entrepreneurs. 

Depending on the type of restaurant established and cost of real estate, the initial investment to open a Popeyes can hover around $110,000. But according to the 2023 FDD, some restaurant types see average sales of about $1.8 million.

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