Chicken Salad Chick Expands to West Virginia, Reaching 26 States — Chicken Salad Chick

Event summary

Chicken Salad Chick opens its first restaurant in West Virginia, expanding its footprint to 26 states.
The Barboursville location is owned by first-time franchisees Tammy and Rancie Hannah, set to open on September 16, 2026.
Grand opening includes promotional giveaways, including free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests.
The brand plans further expansion into New York and Michigan.
The Hannahs bring diverse professional backgrounds, including pharmaceutical sales and hospice care, to the franchise.

The big picture

Chicken Salad Chick's expansion into West Virginia marks another step in its rapid growth strategy, following similar moves into New York and Michigan. The brand's focus on community engagement and franchise partnerships aligns with broader trends in the fast-casual sector, where localized customer connections drive long-term success. With over 345 locations across 26 states, the company is positioning itself for sustained growth in competitive regional markets.

What we're watching

Franchise Execution: Whether the Hannahs' diverse professional backgrounds will translate into successful franchise operations.
Market Penetration: The pace at which Chicken Salad Chick can expand into new states like New York and Michigan.
Community Impact: How the brand's community-focused initiatives will affect local market adoption.