Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Fast Casual

Investment min
$747K
Total: $747K–$965K
Avg gross revenue
$1M
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$50K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
5%
of gross revenue
Locations
180
Franchising since 2012

Description

What is Chicken Salad Chick?

Chicken Salad Chick has revolutionized a beloved Southern staple by creating a fast-casual dining experience centered around fresh, homemade chicken salad. Founded in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, this rapidly growing franchise has captured hearts (and taste buds) across the Southeast with its made-from-scratch recipes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What sets Chicken Salad Chick apart is their diverse menu featuring over a dozen unique chicken salad flavors, ranging from classic Southern-style to bold and spicy variations. Each recipe is carefully crafted using premium ingredients and served in a charming, feminine-inspired setting that feels like dining in a friend's kitchen. The menu extends beyond chicken salad to include fresh sides, soups, and their famous grape salad, providing options for every palate.

The brand's success stems from their commitment to exceptional customer service, consistently fresh ingredients, and a business model that resonates with both customers and franchise owners. Their locations maintain a perfect balance between quick-service convenience and the quality of a sit-down restaurant, making it an ideal spot for lunch, casual dining, or catering events.

Chicken Salad Chick's culture emphasizes Southern hospitality and community involvement, creating loyal customers who become brand ambassadors. Their dedication to quality and service has earned them numerous accolades and a rapidly expanding fan base. For entrepreneurs seeking a franchise opportunity, Chicken Salad Chick offers a proven concept in the thriving fast-casual sector with strong brand recognition and a passionate customer following.
  • Established Southern comfort food brand
  • Strong unit economics performance
  • Differentiated chicken salad menu focus
  • Proven 15-year operating history
  • Growing fast-casual market segment
  • Multi-unit development opportunities available

Location Analysis

Where Chicken Salad Chick wins

Chicken Salad Chick demonstrates strong regional presence across multiple states, with widespread coverage concentrated primarily in the Southeast. The brand maintains notable market penetration throughout key Southeast markets, including strong presence in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. The franchise's impressive 4.7 average rating across numerous customer reviews suggests strong operational execution and market fit.

The brand shows particular strength in suburban areas with higher-income demographics and strong daytime population, typically performing well near business districts and shopping centers. Key success factors include locations with good visibility, ample parking, and proximity to complementary retailers. The concept's Southern roots and health-conscious menu positioning provide competitive advantages in its core markets.

Significant expansion opportunities exist in Mid-Atlantic and Midwest markets, where the brand's Southern charm and fresh concept can differentiate it from competitors. Ideal locations feature 2,000-3,000 square feet in retail centers with strong co-tenancy, targeting areas with median household incomes above $65,000 and substantial white-collar workforce presence. The brand's current geographic distribution suggests room for infill growth in existing markets while expanding into adjacent states with similar demographics.
Total US locations
255
Franchise units
180
Corporate locations
75
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Chicken Salad Chick

Avg gross revenue$1,486,807
Investment range$747,000 – $964,500
Investment midpoint$855,750
Brand fund2%
Royalty5%
Franchise fee$50,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Chicken Salad Chick requires a substantial investment of $747,000-$964,500, positioning it in the premium tier of fast-casual franchises. This investment significantly exceeds the sub-sector average range of $406,514-$894,151, reflecting the brand's established market position and comprehensive build-out requirements including kitchen equipment, interior design, and initial inventory. The fast-casual segment continues experiencing robust growth as consumers seek healthier, customizable dining options between traditional quick-service and full-service restaurants. The brand's gross revenue of $1,486,807 substantially outperforms the sub-sector average of $696,569, indicating strong unit-level performance within the competitive sandwich shop category. With 255 units established since 2008, the system demonstrates solid maturity and proven scalability across diverse markets. The franchise appeals to experienced restaurant operators or well-capitalized investors seeking a differentiated concept in the crowded fast-casual space. Prospective franchisees should possess substantial liquid capital and restaurant management experience, as the operational complexity requires skilled execution of food preparation, inventory management, and customer service standards. The brand's focus on Southern-inspired chicken salad varieties provides menu differentiation in markets saturated with traditional sandwich concepts. Territory development opportunities exist for qualified multi-unit operators, though the higher investment threshold limits accessibility compared to entry-level franchise concepts. Investors should thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive market analysis to evaluate local demographic alignment with the brand's target customer base and competitive positioning.
Did you know? Did you know that bringing the beloved Southern comfort of Chicken Salad Chick's famous scratch-made chicken salad recipes to your community requires a total investment between $747,000 and $964,500, which covers everything from the $50,000 franchise fee to buildout costs for creating that cozy, welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy over a dozen signature chicken salad flavors alongside fresh sides and desserts?

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$747K–$965K
Most common
$747,000
Minimum
$855,750
Midpoint
$964,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $747,000 to $964,500. The midpoint $855,750 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$2M$2M$1M$800K$400KN/A
$1M
$1M
$1M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$1M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+6%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Chicken Salad Chick has an average gross revenue of $1M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+13% YoY
300240180120600
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
255 units open as of 2024 FDD+30 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Chicken Salad Chick's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Chicken Salad Chick franchise typically ranges between $747,000.00 and $964,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick
$1M avg revenue · 180+ US franchises

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