Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Texas “Born and Breaded” chicken finger franchise, has reached a significant corporate milestone by earning a spot on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 list. Ranking at No. 366, the recognition highlights the brand’s rapid expansion, increasing franchise demand, and its emergence as a powerful force within the competitive chicken industry.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Success
The Franchise 500 is recognized as one of the most competitive rankings in the industry. To determine the standings, Entrepreneur evaluates more than 150 data points, including:
-
Unit growth and footprint expansion
-
Financial strength and stability
-
Overall brand power
“A placement on the Franchise 500 list is a major milestone for us, and it validates the hard work of everyone throughout the Layne’s system,” said Garrett Reed, CEO of Layne’s Chicken Fingers.
Breakout Performance and Record Growth
Layne’s inclusion on the list follows a transformative year in 2025. The brand grew its presence to 40 open restaurants and secured a robust pipeline for the future with 300 additional units already awarded. This momentum is further supported by strong unit-level performance, with average unit volumes climbing throughout 2025 and several franchisees celebrating successful six-figure openings.
According to Chief Operating Officer Samir Wattar, this success is the result of a deliberate strategy. “We’re focused on healthy growth, and we’ve kept a close focus on operations and support as we’ve expanded,” Wattar noted. “We want to make sure we have the resources in place before they’re needed.”
Positioned for National Momentum
With a streamlined, focused menu and a commitment to efficient operations, Layne’s continues to offer a compelling business model in the booming chicken market. By balancing rapid footprint growth with a high-quality guest experience, the brand is successfully transitioning from a regional favorite to an up-and-coming national name.
The 2026 ranking serves as a testament to the brand’s stability and the dedicated support structure provided to its growing network of franchisees.
Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising here.
- More from Layne’s Chicken Fingers