Chicken Salad Chick Strengthens Northeast Presence with New Development Momentum, Reinforcing National Growth Strategy

Fast-Growing, Fast-Casual Brand Accelerates Expansion Across New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Building off its rapid nationwide expansion, Chicken Salad Chick is accelerating its growth throughout the Northeast. With development agreements in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, the brand is building meaningful momentum in a region that represents a significant opportunity for continued franchise growth. The nation's only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept has experienced a record-breaking period of development with both new and existing operators.

Chicken Salad Chick is bringing its made-from-scratch chicken salad and community-first hospitality to guests across the United States. The Northeast has emerged as an increasingly important market, fueled by experienced franchise owners, strong consumer demand, and strategic multi-unit development.

New Northeast Developments:

• Upstate New York – In a landmark deal, the 25-unit development will introduce the brand to key regional markets including Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Upper Hudson Valley. As the largest signed agreement in company history, this marks a major milestone in the brand's national expansion.
• Allentown, Pennsylvania – Amanda and Ernest Greenford recently opened their first restaurant, bringing their longtime personal passion for Chicken Salad Chick to Lehigh Valley. Originally from Alabama, where they became loyal guests, Amanda has spent decades in hospitality management and Ernest brings his leadership experience as a retired U.S. Army Military Intelligence pilot.
• Collegeville, Pennsylvania – Drawing on her background in human resources and as a franchise business consultant, Amanda Furiato is preparing to introduce Chicken Salad Chick to the community. She is also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
• South Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – High school sweethearts Jacob and Sabrina Longley are developing their first restaurant. Jacob served as a U.S. Marine Corps naval aviator, while Sabrina has extensive hospitality management experience.
• Barboursville, West Virginia – After a successful career in education and award-winning pharmaceutical sales, Tammy Hannah is expanding Chicken Salad Chick's footprint in West Virginia alongside her husband, Dr. Rancie Hannah, a healthcare leader with decades of experience in practice management and community service. They are passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere that combines great food with meaningful community connections.
• Charleston, West Virginia – Emily and Michael Strickland's new restaurant is currently under construction in the state's capital. Their daughter, Leah, introduced the family to Chicken Salad Chick, and in her honor, they established a foundation that awards scholarships to high school seniors.

"The Northeast represents one of our most exciting growth regions, and we're just getting started," said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. "From hospitality leaders to military veterans, we're expanding with operators who are passionate about serving their communities. We're focused on partnering with experienced entrepreneurs who will help us grow the brand in a way that stays true to the culture and hospitality that have defined the brand since day one."

Chicken Salad Chick's continued momentum in the Northeast reflects broader franchise development success nationwide. With territories remaining in New Jersey, Long Island (New York), and central Pennsylvania, the brand is actively seeking franchise partners to support its expansion across the Northeast.

Chicken Salad Chick has a proven track record in both emerging and established markets, creating an attractive opportunity for experienced multi-unit owners. A strong corporate strategy combined with a loyal customer base allows franchisees to focus on building passionate community connections, delivering consistent guest experiences, and fostering a positive environment.

In 2025, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated a record year, awarding nearly 100 new franchise restaurant deals and opening 42 locations across 14 states, solidifying its position as a leader in the fast-casual segment. The brand's commitment to quality, community engagement, and operational support has helped fuel its momentum, with over 300 locations in its development pipeline.

Chicken Salad Chick continues to be recognized as a standout franchise system, being named one of QSR magazine's Best Franchise Deals for four years, as well as ranking in the top three in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers for six consecutive years. The brand was named No. 1 in YouGov's 2026 Top 20 U.S. Emerging Dining Brands and was also highlighted in Franchise Times' Top 400 ranking at No. 158 for 2025. 

To learn more about opportunities with Chicken Salad Chick visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com/franchising.   

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors plus fresh sides, soups, sandwiches, desserts and catering, there's something for every guest and occasion. Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 345 restaurants across 26 states and continues its rapid expansion driven by a passionate network of franchise owners. The brand has earned consistent recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Fast Casual, QSR, Southern Living and Technomic, among others. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com to learn more. 

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SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick