The Fastest Growing Chicken Franchises All Do These 5 Things

The chicken restaurant market is hot. Learn more about the fastest-growing chicken franchises and what makes them so lucrative.

The chicken restaurant market is sizzling hot, chicken has become a star player in the fast-food industry. Over the next seven years, the fried chicken market is forecasted to reach $9.85 billion in the U.S. If you're considering jumping into the chicken franchise game, you're in the right place. Let's explore the fastest-growing chicken franchises and uncover the secret ingredients that make them irresistible opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Demand for high-quality chicken dishes is high, and this culinary trend shows no sign of slowing down. Americans eat more chicken than any other country, according to the National Chicken Council. Restaurants are expected to purchase 52% of the country’s chicken supply by 2025. Fast-food chicken franchises offer a winning formula: a beloved protein, culinary innovation, and a fast-food format that caters to busy lifestyles. The best chicken franchises don't just serve chicken — they serve exceptional chicken with a variety of flavor profiles to cater to diverse tastes.

The best chicken franchises prioritize:

1. Quality chicken sourcing: Whether it's for crispy tenders, sandwiches, salads, or wings, ensuring that the poultry is fresh and of high quality is paramount.
   
   
2. Flavorful seasoning: Most franchises develop their own signature blend of spices and seasonings to create the distinctive flavors that customers crave.
   
   
3. Efficient operations: Chicken franchises have streamlined kitchen operations to ensure orders are filled quickly, maintaining fast service even during peak hours.
   
   
4. Menu variety: While chicken is the star of the show, franchises often offer a variety of menu items to cater to different tastes.
   
   
5. Customer experience: They focus on friendly and efficient service, a clean and welcoming dining environment, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

While giants like Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Popeyes have established themselves as the top chicken franchises, regional chains are making waves. By focusing on high-quality menu items, fresh ingredients, and consistency, emerging chains in the fast-food chicken industry, such as PDQ, Slim Chickens, and Starbird are gaining momentum. Their untapped market potential provides unique opportunities for growth and market influence.

PDQ debuted in Tampa, Florida in 2011 and now has 58 locations in Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Slim Chickens has 245+ locations and more than 1,200 units in development. Starbird opened its doors in 2016 and has 13 locations. It is launching an aggressive franchising push targeting experienced multi-unit operators looking to diversify their portfolio through area development commitments at a minimum of five stores each.

Starbird: The Rising Star

‍Partnering with an emerging chicken franchise can offer a fresh and exciting entry into the fast-food industry, allowing you to stand out in a competitive market with a fresh and compelling brand. With an emphasis on feel-good crispy chicken, Starbird is pioneering the super-premium fast-food concept. It was founded in 2016 by Aaron Noveshen and The Culinary Edge, a San Francisco-based food and beverage consulting firm.

For an initial investment of $1.12 million to $1.66 million per location, you’ll get a rising star in the fast-food industry with the proprietary systems, training, and support you need to achieve your goals. From in-store kiosks to a user-friendly mobile app, Starbird offers multiple touchpoints for customers to place orders, making the dining experience as convenient as possible.

The Starbird menu features fresh ingredients, including crispy tenders, hand-chopped salads, sandwiches, and more. The focus on quality and innovation ensures a diverse offering that appeals to a wide range of customers. Starbird’s crispy chicken is gluten-free and never treated with antibiotics, and there are nine different sauces to choose from, including Greek Yogurt Ranch and the fan-favorite Star Sauce.

Learn More About Starbird

‍When you're on the hunt for the best chicken franchise, consider what sets them apart. Emerging brands like Starbird offer a fresh take on the industry, and it might be your recipe for success. Get started to learn more about partnering with Starbird to launch a restaurant.