Chicken Salad Chick Bets on Denver Tech Center for Continued Colorado Growth

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO – February 18, 2026 – The familiar aroma of Southern-style, made-from-scratch chicken salad is set to permeate the Denver Tech Center as Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast-casual concept dedicated to the dish, prepares to launch its eighth Colorado location. The new restaurant, situated at 5322 DTC Boulevard in Greenwood Village, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, March 4, with a week of festivities, including a chance for the first 100 guests to win free chicken salad for a year.

This opening marks another milestone in the brand's ambitious Western expansion and represents a significant personal achievement for multi-unit franchisee Maureen McFerson, who is opening her second location in the Denver metro area.

A Strategic Move into a Bustling Hub

The choice of the Denver Tech Center is a calculated move, planting the brand squarely in one of the region's most dynamic economic engines. The DTC is not just a collection of office buildings; it is a dense hub of innovation and enterprise, home to a highly educated and affluent workforce. With nearly 63% of the population in the surrounding Denver South region holding a bachelor's degree or higher and a significant daily influx of professionals, the demand for quick, high-quality lunch options is substantial.

Despite shifts in work patterns, the return of employees to offices in the DTC has bolstered the local economy, with mid-week traffic, particularly on Wednesdays, seeing a notable increase. This trend creates a ripe environment for a fast-casual concept designed to serve a busy lunch crowd. The new Chicken Salad Chick will offer in-restaurant dining, an outdoor patio, take-out, and third-party delivery, catering directly to the flexible needs of the modern tech and finance professionals who populate the area.

"We're excited to continue growing Chicken Salad Chick's presence in the Mile High City," said Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick, in a statement. "Colorado remains a key development state for us as we expand our Western footprint... Greenwood Village, in the heart of the Denver Tech Center, is a hub for innovation and enterprise – an ideal location to bring the Chicken Salad Chick experience to. We're eager to see Mo replicate her success in Denver Tech Center."

From Food Scientist to Franchise Star

Behind the new location is the compelling entrepreneurial journey of owner and operator Maureen McFerson. Supported by her husband, Luke Hadden, and their family, McFerson is leveraging the success of her first restaurant in Littleton, which opened in September 2024, to fuel this latest expansion. Her story is one of transitioning from a corporate career in food science to building her own local business empire.

Before becoming a franchisee, McFerson spent a decade as an R&D and quality scientist, primarily working with global pizza chains. This deep background in food quality, product development, and industry standards provided her with a unique skill set and an insider's perspective on what makes a restaurant brand successful. Her earlier roles as a barista and in a diner rounded out her experience, giving her a ground-level appreciation for customer service and daily operations. Inspired by her long-time love for the Chicken Salad Chick brand, she embarked on a mission to bring its signature Southern hospitality to her home state.

"I'm thrilled to be opening my second Chicken Salad Chick restaurant," McFerson stated. "Over the past two years, it's been amazing to see how the community has embraced us in Littleton, and Luke and I are so excited to bring that same experience to Denver Tech Center. We're incredibly thankful for our team, who create memorable experiences for our guests and have been pivotal in our expansion. We look forward to serving even more guests across Denver very soon."

Carving a Niche in a Competitive Market

The Denver Tech Center's dining scene is robust and diverse, featuring everything from upscale steakhouses to local brewpubs and a wide array of international cuisines. In this crowded field, Chicken Salad Chick aims to differentiate itself not by competing with everyone, but by offering a focused, specialized menu executed with precision. The brand is built around its more than a dozen varieties of chicken salad, ranging from the traditional "Classic Carol" to savory options like "Olivia's Old South" with sweet pickles and egg, and spicy flavors like the "Jalapeño Holly."

This core offering is complemented by a full menu of fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts, creating a well-rounded meal for any palate. The brand's commitment to making its salads from scratch daily serves as a key quality differentiator in a market saturated with pre-packaged and processed options. By focusing on a beloved comfort food and elevating it with variety and fresh ingredients, the restaurant carves out a distinct identity that appeals to health-conscious diners, families, and busy professionals alike.

More Than a Meal: Community and Celebration

Aligning with its brand ethos of serving from the heart, the new Denver Tech Center location is embedding itself in the community through both celebration and philanthropy. The grand opening week is packed with promotions designed to welcome locals. The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, March 4, at 10 a.m., when the first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for a year, with the next 99 guests winning a large Quick Chick per month for a year.

The giveaways continue throughout the week:
* Thursday, March 5: The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a free Chick Kitchen Towel.
* Friday, March 6: The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a free Red Chick Insulated Bag.
* Saturday, March 7: The first 50 guests to purchase an entree with two sides will receive a free Navy Chick Beanie.

Beyond the opening festivities, the restaurant is demonstrating a deep-seated commitment to local giving. During its pre-opening Friends & Family events, the team will raise funds for Make-A-Wish® Colorado. The choice of this partner is particularly meaningful, as the organization is also headquartered in Greenwood Village, creating a powerful, hyper-local connection. This initiative is part of the brand's larger philanthropic focus through the CSC Foundation, which supports CURE Childhood Cancer and local food banks nationwide.

Chicken Salad Chick of Denver Tech Center will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more details on the grand opening events and specials, customers are encouraged to visit the restaurant's Facebook and Instagram pages.