Chicken Salad Chick to open first New Orleans locations
Chicken Salad Chick is expanding its footprint into a major Southern city.
The fast-casual chicken salad chain has announced a multi-unit franchise agreement that will bring four restaurants to New Orleans. The first location is slated to open in 2025, and the three additional locations are in various stages of development. The multi-unit deal adds to the brand’s existing footprint across the south, including 12 open locations in Louisiana.
The entrance into New Orleans bolsters Chicken Salad Chick's presence in the south, with dozens of locations across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Earlier this year, the chain said it was on track to open 40 stores by the end of 2024.
“It’s exciting to see Chicken Salad Chick enter a culinary hub like New Orleans,” said Mark Verges, VP of franchise development at Chicken Salad Chick. “New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city that will love what Chicken Salad Chick has to offer. We’re thrilled to continue expanding our footprint and sharing our delicious menu items to new customers.”
Chicken Salad Chick says it reported over $353 million in system wide sales last year, a 38% increase over 2021 and grew to record-setting average unit volume of $1.5 million.
[READ MORE: Chicken Salad Chick acquires Piece of Cake bakery chain]
“I’ve been a fan of Chicken Salad Chick going all the way back to high school when I ate there every day for four years,” said Tiffany Spring, one of the four business partners behind the New Orleans expansion. “My love of their food, along with the straight-forward menu and dedication toward community service are what sold me on getting involved with this brand.”
Founded in Auburn, Ala. in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick operates more than 270 restaurants in 19 states.