Chicken Salad Chick Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Chicken Salad Chick is a fast-casual franchise specializing in a variety of flavorful chicken salads. It was founded in 2008 by Stacy Brown in Auburn, Alabama. The brand quickly grew after Stacy and her husband, Kevin Brown, opened the first location following the success of selling homemade chicken salad door-to-door.
Today, its headquarters is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Franchising began in 2012, leading to rapid growth. Now, Chicken Salad Chick boasts over 200 locations across 17 states.
The menu features more than a dozen chicken salad varieties, each with a personal touch, named after individuals in Stacy’s life. The restaurant also offers sides, soups, sandwiches, and desserts, catering to diverse tastes.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Chicken Salad Chick franchise? It costs on average between $745,000 – $991,000 to start a Chicken Salad Chick franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Indeed, Chicken Salad Chick offers 2 types of franchises:
| Location Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Drive-Thru | $764,500 to $990,500 |
| Non-Drive-Thru | $744,500 to $960,500 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Chicken Salad Chick Drive-Thru franchised restaurant. For more information on the costs required to start a Chicken Salad Chick franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Chicken Salad Chick Drive-Thru Restaurant
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial franchisee fee | $50,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Fee | $10,000 |
| Rent (1 month) and Security Deposit | $6,000 to $11,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $400,000 to $500,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $175,000 to $225,000 |
| Décor Package | $15,000 to $20,000 |
| Branded Merchandise | $9,000 to $10,000 |
| Inventory | $12,000 to $13,000 |
| Signage | $12,000 to $25,000 |
| Drive Thru Package (Drive-Thru Only) | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Computer Equipment and Software | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Permits and Licenses | $500 to $2,500 |
| Insurance (6 months) | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Training (transportation, lodging, etc. for 3 people) | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Other deposits and prepaid expenses | $0 to $5,500 |
| Professional Fees (Attorney, Architect, etc.) | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Additional Funds—3 months | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment (Drive-Thru locations only) | $764,300 to $990,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Chicken Salad Chick franchise? A Chicken Salad Chick franchised restaurant makes on average $1,361,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $603,000 yearly revenue for similar healthy franchises. Below are 10 Chicken Salad Chick competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Chicken Salad Chick Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Chicken Salad Chick locations are there?
As of the latest data, Chicken Salad Chick operates more than 200 locations across the United States. These include both franchised and company-owned establishments. The majority of the locations, approximately 144, are franchised, reflecting the brand’s strong focus on franchise growth.
In addition, the company retains ownership of around 54 restaurants, allowing them to maintain direct control over a significant portion of their operations.
What is the total investment required to open a Chicken Salad Chick franchise?
The total investment required to open a Chicken Salad Chick franchise ranges from $745,000 to $991,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Chicken Salad Chick franchise?
Chicken Salad Chick franchisees are required to pay several ongoing fees as part of their franchise agreement. The royalty fee is 5% of gross sales, which is paid to the franchisor for the continued use of the brand name and operational support.
In addition to the royalty fee, franchisees contribute 2% of their gross sales to a national marketing fund. This fee supports broader brand marketing efforts, helping to drive customer awareness and growth across all locations.
Furthermore, franchisees are also responsible for local marketing expenses, which are typically around 2-3% of their gross sales, ensuring a strong presence in their specific market.
What are the financial requirements to become a Chicken Salad Chick franchisee?
To become a Chicken Salad Chick franchisee, there are specific financial requirements that must be met. Prospective franchisees must have a minimum net worth of $750,000, ensuring they have the financial stability to support the business.
Additionally, they are required to have at least $250,000 in liquid assets. These financial benchmarks are set to ensure that franchisees are well-prepared to cover both the initial investment and ongoing operational costs associated with running a Chicken Salad Chick restaurant.
How much can a Chicken Salad Chick franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Chicken Salad Chick franchise are approximately $1.36 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $1.36 million yearly revenue can result in $204,1500 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Chicken Salad Chick?
Chicken Salad Chick is currently owned by Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm. Brentwood acquired the brand in 2019 from Eagle Merchant Partners. The acquisition was part of Brentwood’s strategy to invest in high-growth consumer businesses.
Chicken Salad Chick continues to be led by CEO Scott Deviney, who has helped guide the brand through its rapid expansion.
Disclaimer
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