Are you an enterprising individual looking for an opportunity to make a real impact in the chicken franchise industry? If so, I’ve got exciting news for you!
2023 is molding to be an incredible year full of sensational franchising opportunities. With the hottest trends in consumer behavior, digital marketing, and franchising regulations being released daily, it can be overwhelming to try and decide which path to take.
But not to worry. We’re here to help guide your search with some sound advice on how best to find the right chicken franchise opportunity that’s accessible for you!
Whether you’re a corporate worker interested in investing in one or several franchises or just starting as a potential franchisee, I have all the information you need about some of the most remarkable franchises available this year.
So, let’s jump into the world of chicken franchises and fathom how they are worth your investment. Let’s get started!
Chicken Franchise
These days, chicken franchises are experiencing a surge in popularity and demand. Many classic eateries are even diversifying their menus to meet the growing craving for all things poultry.
From tender nuggets and succulent wings to delicious sandwiches and more. Starting your own chicken franchise is an excellent way of capitalizing on this trend.
In order to ascertain if investing in a chicken business is worthwhile, you must initially investigate the answers to these questions.
- Why choose the chicken franchise business?
- How much does it cost?
- What are the pros and cons of owning a chicken franchise?
- Are chicken franchise restaurants profitable?
Why choose the chicken franchise business?
The popularity of chicken restaurants and their franchise units is on the rise, making now a splendid time to enter this ever-growing industry.
Boasting an impressive chicken restaurant market size of over $55 billion and annualized growth rate of nearly 10% for the past five years, investing in the food business could be incredibly beneficial.
Franchises can shoulder you with invaluable support and get your business up and running in no time – offering training, brand recognition, and site selection advice to help draw consumers quickly!
With access to proven systems, you can quickly and easily gain insight into marketing strategies, technology solutions, menu design, and inventories – all without the costly trials of trial-and-error.
Still, as a franchisee with one of these big-name businesses, your supply chain will be further stabilized due to their pre-established relationships with notable suppliers in various franchise units.
If you have ever worked in the chicken restaurant industry, you might be well-suited to own a franchise. There are certain criteria that all franchise units must meet, and luckily enough not much business experience is necessary for many of them.
With this, it creates an opportunity for individuals who were once employees to transition into becoming successful entrepreneurs!
How much does it cost?
When you’re willing to invest in some chicken franchise units, costs may vary differently. Generally speaking, startup fees may range from $200K to 2 million dollars with most falling between 500K and 1 million dollars.
Additionally, there is an initial franchise fee that varies depending on the type of chicken franchise opportunities and business model; this could be anywhere from 10k-50k. From quick-service options to full-service sit-down restaurants, there are boundless opportunities available when it comes to investing in a chicken venture.
You should know that franchisors are to present a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to prospective franchisees within 14 calendar days before the signing of any agreement. Item 7 in this document approximates the capital needed for buying and maintaining working capital thereafter.
What are the pros and cons of owning a chicken franchise?
There are several benefits to owning chicken franchises, including brand recognition, marketing and advertising support from the franchisor, access to resources such as technology solutions, menu design, etc., supply chain stability, and much more.
However, there are also some cons to consider before investing in the chicken business. These include costly initial startup fees and the need to meet high standards as set by the franchisor.
In addition, chicken franchises require you to have adequate capital to maintain working capital and cover all expenses.
Are Chicken franchises profitable?
The profitability of the business will depend on some factors, such as the chosen chicken franchise’s operating model, location, and how well they are managed.
For example, a fried chicken franchise with higher startup costs and initial fees may be more profitable than one with a lower price if it has an effective marketing strategy and better access to resources.
Franchises can experience a wide range of profit margins – from 7-8%, and annual gross sales range between $50,000 to an incredible $3 million plus! With the right business model, location, and management, chicken businesses can be incredibly profitable.
So if you’re looking for a lucrative investment opportunity, then the following list of franchises is worth considering.
Best Chicken franchises to Invest In
1. Chick-fil-A
It all began in 1946 when S. Truett Cathy opened the Dwarf Grill (now known as the Dwarf House). After four decades of success, Chick-Fil-A made its debut as a stand-alone restaurant in 1986 and quickly became an iconic two-billion-dollar company by 2006.
Their remarkable achievements can be attributed to their delicious menu offerings, but also to their inspiring corporate culture and values that have resonated with customers for generations.
Chick-fil-A is a popular fast food chains in the United States known for its chicken sandwiches and other chicken-based menu items. Here are some of their most popular menu items:
Chick-fil-A Menu
Original Fried Chicken Sandwich: A breaded chicken breast filet served on a toasted buttered bun with pickles.
Deluxe Chicken Sandwich: Similar to the original sandwich, but also includes lettuce, tomato, and American cheese.
Spicy Chicken Sandwich: The original sandwich with a spicy seasoning blend added to the breading.
Chicken Nuggets: Bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken breast meat.
Chick-n-Strips: Strips of fried chicken tenders.
Waffle Potato Fries: Crispy waffle-cut fries that are seasoned and cooked in canola oil.
Mac and Cheese: A creamy and cheesy macaroni dish that is a relatively new addition to the menu.
Milkshakes: Thick, creamy milkshakes in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Lemonade: A refreshing and tart lemonade that can be ordered in a variety of flavors, including peach and mango.
Ice cream: Chick-fil-A’s soft-serve ice cream can be served in a cone or cup.
Is the Chick-fil-A Franchise Right For You?
Chick-fil-A is often considered to be one of the best for franchise owners’ investments in the chicken restaurant chains industry due to the following:
- low upfront cost
- high level of control
- brand recognition
- unique menu
- reliable supply chain
- professional training
Apart from that, the chicken franchise offers a great return on the initial investment with its split profit agreement. The operator’s post-royalty profitability of that restaurant is usually 10%, which means the typical operator ends up with $320,000 a year.
Overall, Chick-fil-A is a strong and reliable chicken fast food chains franchise option for anyone looking to start their own chicken business. The low cost of entry and a great return on investment makes it one of the best chicken franchise chains in the US, in 2023.
2. Popeyes
In 1972, Al Copeland founded the renowned Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (or simply Popeyes) in Arabi, Louisiana. This fast-food joint is celebrated for its flavorfully fried chicken dishes and was named after a notable character from The French Connection movie series: Popeye Doyle!
Popeyes rapidly gained recognition in the southern United States for their flavor-filled New Orleans-style fried chicken, biscuits, and sides. In 1984, they changed their name to better reflect the true essence of what they had to offer: Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits.
In just short years, Popeyes became a public company – emphasizing just how popular this restaurant had become and being one of the most quick-service restaurants. They expanded their presence to other regions of the United States and international markets. There are more than 2,000 Popeyes restaurants nationally, making it one of the largest and most popular chicken franchises in the US, respectively.
Popeyes is famous for its chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and chicken wings – entirely made with a unique blend of spices and seasonings. And currently having to be recognized as one of the many 5-star quick service restaurants.
Here are some of the most popular menu items:
Popeyes Popular Menu
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
A breaded chicken breast filet served on a toasted brioche bun with pickles and a spicy sauce.
Chicken Sandwich
A similar sandwich to the spicy fried chicken sandwich, but without the spicy sauce.
Bonafide Chicken
Hand-battered and deep-fried chicken pieces served in mild or spicy flavors.
Chicken Tenders
Strips of all-white meat chicken that are hand-battered and breaded.
Red Beans and Rice
A classic Cajun side dish made with seasoned red beans and rice.
Cajun Fries
Crispy fries seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices.
Biscuits
Buttery and flaky biscuits can be ordered plain or with honey.
Shrimp Po’Boy
A sandwich made with crispy fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce, served on a hoagie roll.
Crawfish
A seasonal item made with Cajun-spiced crawfish.
Fried Chicken Family Meal
A meal that includes a combination of chicken pieces, biscuits, and sides, designed to feed a family.
Is Popeyes Franchise right for you?
This chicken franchise offers a good return on investment, with the average restaurant earning around $1 million annually.
Moreover, Popeyes invests in its franchisees by providing exhaustive training and support programs for success. But that isn’t all!
The business is also highly-praised for its flavorful chicken viands and side items using fresh ingredients to offer an array of tasty options that can satisfy any customer’s palates and make up a large portion of the fast food industry and quick service restaurant industry today.
Boasting a fabulous management team with an extensive understanding of the chicken industry, Popeyes is part of Restaurant Brands International which has had remarkable success through other international brands like Burger King and Tim Hortons.
For those looking to invest in chicken franchises and want a reliable chicken franchise with a good return on investment, Popeyes is the way to go.
3. KFC Franchise
The iconic “Finger-Lickin’ Good” phrase, along with the Chicken Bucket, were both created by the very first franchisee of KFC! He used the bucket as a means to make sure that customers could enjoy their hot meals faster than ever before.
This same creative individual also gave birth to this popular saying which has become synonymous with KFC’s identity since then.
Kentucky Fried Chicken is known for its iconic chicken recipe that has been around for over 75 years. The chicken is marinated and coated in an eleven-herb-and-spice mix and is pressure cooked to ensure that it stays juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Their chicken sandwiches have become a signature item, with over 500 million sold each year.
KFC’s Popular Items
Some of the most popular items on the menu include:
Original Fried Chicken: Their original recipe fried chicken is made with a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices and is cooked to crispy perfection.
Extra Crispy Fried Chicken: For those who prefer a crispier texture, they also offer extra crispy fried chicken.
Chicken Tenders: KFC’s chicken tenders are made with 100% white meat and are available in a variety of meal options, including as a combo meal with sides and a drink.
Chicken Sandwiches: A variety of chicken options, including Classic Chicken, Spicy Chicken, and Chicken Littles.
Sides: they offer a variety of sides to complement their chicken dishes, including mashed delicious potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and buttermilk biscuits.
Desserts: Several dessert options, including its signature Chocolate Chip Cake and Lemon Cake.
Is KFC right for you?
The Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC franchise is a chicken-focused restaurant with over 25,000 locations in more than 145 countries.
It is one of the most recognizable chicken franchises in the world and continues to be a popular choice for chicken lovers. A great feature of KFC is that they offer a low-cost investment option with their chicken franchise restaurant.
This chicken franchise also has a great support system that walks the franchisee through the process, making it easier for them to open their chicken restaurant.
If you are searching for the most affordable chicken franchise opportunity in the US in 2023, KFC is one of your best options. With their low-cost investment option, appreciable support system, iconic chicken recipe, and quick-serving restaurant records, KFC is sure to bring financial success and customer satisfaction into priority.
4. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is a fast-casual chicken franchise that is known for its chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, and chicken salads. The company was founded in 1990 in Georgia, USA, and has since expanded to over 900 locations in 17 states.
Zaxby’s Popular Menu
Zaxby’s has become renowned for its “indescribably good” food and service, along with immaculate fast-food restaurants. Their menu consists of flavorful yet freshly-made chicken meals crafted using only the best ingredients available. Some of the most popular items on the menu include:
Chicken Fingers
Wings
Zalads
Sandwiches
Sides
Desserts
Is the Zaxby’s Franchise Right For You?
For those seeking to open their fast-casual restaurant, Zaxby’s provides exceptional franchise opportunities too!
As a member of the Zaxby’s family, you will gain access to…
invaluable training services
as well as support in selection sites,
building structures,
and marketing strategies.
Overall, Zaxby’s is a popular fast-casual chicken franchise that offers a unique menu and customer experience.
It can be a good investment opportunity for those interested in the restaurant industry and looking for a franchise with a strong brand and proven track record of success.
5. Wingstop
Wingstop is a fast-casual dining restaurants that specializes in chicken wings, fries, and sides. The company was founded in 1994 in Garland, Texas, by Antonio Swad and has since grown to become one of the largest chicken wing franchises in the world.
Wingstop’s menu features a variety of classic and boneless wings, which can be ordered in a range of flavors, such as Original Hot, Garlic Parmesan, and Lemon Pepper. The company also offers a variety of sides, including fries, veggie sticks, and dips.
Wingstop Popular Menu
Classic Wings: Made with fresh, never frozen chicken and these epic wings can be ordered in a range of flavors, including Original Hot (their very own buffalo wing version), Garlic Parmesan, and Hickory Smoked BBQ.
Boneless Wings: 100% all-white meat chicken is available in a diverse variety of flavors to satisfy your taste buds!
Fries: These are freshly prepared to your preference and available in regular, Cajun, and garlic parmesan flavors for you to savor.
Sides: A variety of sides complement its wings, including veggie sticks chicken salad, coleslaw, and baked beans.
Dips: A variety of dips enhance the flavor of its chicken wings, including ranch, blue cheese, and honey mustard.
Is Wingstop Franchise Right For You?
Wingstop has grown rapidly in recent years, with over 1,500 locations in more than 40 countries. The company has received numerous awards and recognitions for its franchise model, including being named one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States.
With its unique menu, excellent customer service, and commitment to franchisee success, it can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to open their restaurants.
As a franchisee, you would receive training and support from the company, including assistance with site selection, construction, and marketing.
The company is known for its commitment to franchisee success and offers ongoing support to help ensure the success of its franchisees.
If you’re interested in the fast-casual industry and want to join one of the top chicken franchises in the United States, Wingstop might be the right fit for you!
6. Church’s Chicken
Church’s Chicken is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken. The company was founded in 1952 in San Antonio, Texas, by George W. Church, Sr., and is now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Church’s Chicken is known for its signature fried chicken, which is marinated overnight in a blend of seasonings, hand-battered, and cooked to crispy perfection. The company also offers a variety of sides, such as biscuits, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.
Church’s Popular Menu
Chicken Pop- Fried chicken (marinated overnight in a blend of seasonings and hand-battered, cooked to crispy perfection)
Biscuits
Mashed potatoes
Coleslaw
Onion rings
French fries
Corn on the cob
Jalapeno poppers
Macaroni & cheese bites
Is Church’s Chicken Franchise Right For You?
Church’s Chicken has over 1,500 locations in 25 countries, making it one of the largest chicken chains in the world. The company is committed to using high-quality ingredients and preparing its food fresh to order.
They also received recognition for its franchise model and has been named one of the best franchise opportunities in the United States.
This Chicken chain offers franchise opportunities for those interested in owning their own fast-food restaurant. As a franchisee, you would receive training and support from the company, including assistance with site selection, construction, and marketing.
The company is known for its commitment to franchisee success and offers ongoing support to help ensure the success of its franchisees.
7. Bojangles
Bojangles is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in Southern fried chicken and biscuits.
The company was founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina, by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas. It is now headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has over 700 locations in 12 states across the United States.
Bojangles is known for its signature fried chicken, which is marinated overnight in a blend of seasonings and hand-breaded. Here are some of their famous menu items.
Bojangles Famous Menu
Fried Chicken: Signature fried chicken is made with a blend of seasonings and hand-breaded. It’s available in a variety of sizes, from individual pieces to family meals.
Bojangles’ Biscuits: Made from a proprietary mix of flour, buttermilk, and other ingredients. They’re served with a variety of toppings, including sausage, bacon, and eggs.
Dirty Rice: It is made with rice, sausage, and a blend of spices.
Cajun Fries: Bojangles’ Cajun fries are seasoned with a blend of spices and are a popular alternative to traditional French fries.
Bojangles’ Bowls: These bowls feature a base of Bojangles’ seasoned rice or mashed delicious potatoes, topped with fried chicken, sausage, steak, and gravy.
Sweet Tea: Their own version of tea is a popular beverage option that’s made fresh every day.
Is Bojangles Franchise Right For You?
Bojangles has a strong franchise model and offers support to its franchisees. As a franchisee, you will receive training in the areas of site selection, marketing, operations, and customer service.
The company provides ongoing support to help ensure the success of its franchisees and is dedicated to helping them grow their businesses.
8. Buffalo Wild Wings
Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery made a daring decision in 1982 when they opened the first Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck, aiming to satisfy their cravings for wings near Ohio State University.
After proving themselves successful entrepreneurs with that initial venture, they began franchising their restaurant ten years later in 1992!
This chicken franchise has more than 1,200 locations across the globe. Buffalo Wild Wings has become a leader in casual dining such as a chain of sports bars that specialize in buffalo wings and beer.
From franchises in America to Vietnam, they are devoted to delivering accessible and delicious cuisine everywhere!
Buffalo Wild Wings Menu
Wings:
Boneless Wings
Traditional Wings
Naked Tenders
Sauces:
Buffalo (Mild, Medium, Hot, Wild, Blazin’)
BBQ
Lemon Pepper
Garlic Parmesan
Honey Mustard
Asian Zing
Caribbean Jerk
Mango Habanero
Is Buffalo Wild Wings Franchise Right For You?
Are you passionate about providing delicious chicken and a great atmosphere? Then opening a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise may be the ideal venture for you!
As an Inspire Brands family member, you will have to uphold their recipe and service criteria.
While it’s expected that classic Buffalo Wild Wings foods and sauces remain on the menu, creativity is encouraged when it comes to décor, customer rewards, and promotional plans.
Additionally, depending on location there may be an opportunity to offer more unique and genuine dishes.
9. Golden Chick
Golden Chick is a popular chicken franchise that specializes in fried chicken and various Southern-inspired menu items. The franchise was founded in 1967 in San Marcos, Texas, and has since expanded to have locations across the United States.
Golden Chick is known for its signature Original Golden Tenders, which are hand-battered and made from whole chicken tenderloins. They also offer a range of menu options, including fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, chicken strips, and various sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, and rolls.
As a franchise, Golden Chick offers opportunities for individuals interested in owning and operating their own Golden Chick restaurant. Franchisees receive support and training from the company to help ensure success.
If you are interested in finding a Golden Chick location near you or learning more about franchise opportunities, I recommend visiting the official Golden Chick website or reaching out to them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Start the Right Chicken Franchise!
Starting the right chicken franchise requires careful research and planning. Here are some steps you can take to help you find the best chicken franchise for you:
Conduct Market Research
This will help you to understand which franchised chicken restaurants are already present in your area, what kind of competition you may face, and what potential customers are looking for in a chicken franchise.
Consider Your Budget
Some franchises may require a larger upfront investment, while others may have lower start-up costs to determine which chicken franchises you can afford.
Evaluate Franchise Options
Evaluate each option by looking at factors such as franchise fees, royalty fees, training and support, and the overall reputation of the franchise.
Attend Franchise Discovery Day
Attend the franchisor’s discovery day to get a better understanding of the franchisor’s culture, values, and business model. This will also allow you to speak with existing franchisees and understand their experience and challenges.
Review the Franchise Agreement
Review the franchise agreement carefully to understand your rights and obligations as a franchisee.