Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous chicken finger franchise, concluded 2025 with landmark growth, doubling its restaurant count and achieving record-breaking financial performance. The brand enters 2026 with 40 restaurants now open and 10 new franchise owners in the system, maintaining a steady pace toward its long-term goal of 300 units by 2030.
Record-Breaking Performance and Industry Recognition
The brand’s rapid expansion is backed by significant systemwide success. According to industry data, Layne’s saw a 50% year-over-year unit increase and a 67% surge in systemwide sales. In 2024, systemwide revenue reached $30 million, earning the brand the No. 6 on Restaurant Business’s 2025 Future 50 list. Additionally, the franchise debuted on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 list at No. 366, solidifying its position as a rising leader in the competitive chicken category.
Strategic Franchise Expansion
The 110% growth in footprint over the past year was driven by several major development deals, including:
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A monumental 44-unit agreement.
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A 15-unit expansion led by Wisconsin franchise owners.
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New agreements signed by established franchisees of major brands like Wendy’s and Arby’s.
“We opened 21 restaurants last year,” said Garrett Reed, CEO of Layne’s Chicken Fingers. “We increased average unit volume across the system, and we brought on 10 new franchisees for a total of 40 restaurants awarded.”
Strengthening the Support Organization
To manage this rapid scaling, Layne’s has focused on building an elite support structure. The home office now employs 28 staff members dedicated to assisting the 40 open locations. Recent leadership additions include Natalie Hurley as VP of Brand Marketing, Cuyler Esposito as VP of Culture and Operations, and the promotion of Alex Camp to VP of Operations Services.
“From day one, our goal wasn’t to sell franchises; our goal was to build an organization that provides services to the franchisees,” noted Chief Operating Officer Samir Wattar.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building on this momentum, Layne’s Chicken Fingers plans to open an additional 40 restaurants in 2026. The brand remains focused on strategic national growth, revenue increases, and maintaining cultural alignment with new franchise partners as it expands its footprint across the country.
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