Southern-style concept, Chicken Salad Chick plans to open 12 Central Florida locations

Fast-growing, fast-casual restaurant concept expands Florida footprint with three new franchise agreements.

Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept based in Atlanta, is building even more momentum in Florida as it continues its rapid expansion throughout the Southeast region, and its good news for Central Florida fans of the brand's food.

The franchise-based concept which currently which was founded in Auburn, Alabama by Stacy and Kevin Brown, in 2008, has grown to more than 307 restaurants in 22 states. and has now signed three new franchise agreements which will see multiple new locations open throughout Florida, including an agreement with The Foundry Group who are based in Orlando, who will bring twelve new Chicken Salad Chick locations to Central Florida.

With extensive experience in real estate, finance, and project management, The Foundry Group was drawn to the brand's proven business model and its focus on consistency, quality, and heartfelt service.

In addition to the Central Florida agreement, Clearwater native Holly Eakes and her husband Chris will be to introducing Chicken Salad Chick to the Largo community and furthering the brand's presence in the Tampa Bay area. The couple bring a mix of restaurant roots and business leadership to the brand. Having grown up in her father's restaurants, Holly developed a lifelong passion for hospitality, while Chris currently oversees IT operations for BayCare Health System.

The third franchise agreement is with veteran entrepreneurs Cathy and James Brown, along with Allison and Stuart Gibson, who are deepening Chicken Salad Chick's presence along Florida's east coast. The Browns bring 16 years of franchising experience, while James, a Marine Corps veteran, continues to lead with service-driven values. Their daughter Allison is following in their footsteps as a business owner, combining her background in sales and marketing with her husband Stuart's passion for learning and growth.

In addition to these agreements, Chicken Salad Chick has opened six new Florida locations in 2025 and sold 13 additional stores for future development throughout the state. Florida continues to stand out as one of the country's top markets for growth, ranking second in the nation in the first quarter of 2025. Chicken Salad Chick's latest franchise agreements reflect the brand's ability to attract experienced multi-unit operators who recognize the long-term potential of its community-first concept.

"We are excited to partner with business owners in a region of the nation where Chicken Salad Chick continues to thrive," said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. "Each of these franchisees bring extensive business knowledge, unique backgrounds, and a genuine passion for the brand. We know they will be great representatives as we expand our footprint in Florida."

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 as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts,

See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.  

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