Chicken Salad Chick Signs Largest Deal in Company History to Expand in Upstate New York
Event summary
- Chicken Salad Chick signed a 25-unit development agreement in Upstate New York, its largest deal to date, covering key markets like Albany and Buffalo.
- The brand opened its first location in Allentown, PA, with franchisees Amanda and Ernest Greenford, both bringing extensive hospitality and military leadership experience.
- Additional locations are under development in Collegeville, PA; South Pittsburgh, PA; Barboursville, WV; and Charleston, WV, with franchisees including veterans and experienced entrepreneurs.
- Chicken Salad Chick awarded nearly 100 new franchise deals in 2025, opening 42 locations across 14 states, with over 300 locations in its development pipeline.
The big picture
Chicken Salad Chick's aggressive Northeast expansion reflects a broader strategy to capitalize on strong franchise demand and regional consumer preferences for fast-casual dining. The brand's focus on community-first hospitality and multi-unit development agreements positions it to compete with established regional players. With over 300 locations in its pipeline, the company is leveraging its proven model to scale nationally, though success will depend on maintaining operational consistency across diverse markets.
What we're watching
- Execution Risk
- Whether Chicken Salad Chick can maintain its rapid expansion pace while ensuring consistent brand execution across new Northeast markets.
- Market Penetration
- How the brand will perform in densely populated Northeast markets compared to its Southern roots.
- Franchisee Performance
- The success of veteran-led franchisees in driving community engagement and operational excellence in new territories.