Chicken Franchise: Best and Top Franchises in 2023

A chicken franchise can be ideal for a person who enjoys cooking with chicken and has a strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit. Many chicken-focused restaurant chains in the US also provide franchise opportunities. 

Chick-fil-A was declared America’s favorite fast-food restaurant in a Market Force study, beating out competitors such as Blaze Pizza, Krispy Kreme, In-N-Out, and more.  It appears that the general public, especially American consumers, can not get enough chicken. There are other countries as well that have an insatiable demand for chicken. 

What is a Chicken franchise?

A chicken franchise is a restaurant chain that is known to provide chicken foods such as tenders, wings, fingers, and sandwiches. They operate on a franchise business model, in which they collaborate with independent business owners to license their respective brands and other resources for a charge.

Chicken franchises are on the rise, resulting in a flood of new chicken brands, while many traditional businesses are broadening their menus to meet the insatiable appetite for chicken in the market. 

How much is the cost to start a Fried Chicken franchise?

The cost of a chicken franchise generally tends to vary greatly. Startup costs might range between $200,000 and $2 million. Most are worth between $500,000 and $1 million. The initial franchise price could range anywhere between $10,000 and $50,000.

 

Why Start a Chicken Franchise Business?

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to explore chicken franchise restaurants:

• Breaking into a growing market 

The chicken restaurant industry is already incredibly large, but it is continually expanding.

• Getting up and running quickly 

Franchises provide training, site selection support, and brand recognition to aid a new business in getting off the ground and drawing consumers as soon as possible.

• Access-proven systems 

They also offer access to marketing, technology, menu creation, and inventories. Therefore, there is no need for a prolonged time of trial and error.

• Shore up the supply chain 

The management of inventories and supplies is a problem for many small independent firms. But as a franchisee, you can benefit from the ties these big-name businesses have built with suppliers.

• Putting restaurant experience into practice 

There are several requirements for every franchise. However, many don’t necessitate particular business expertise. If you have ever worked in a restaurant, you might be a good candidate for franchise ownership. This makes the transition from an employee to a successful business owner a viable one.

Pros and Cons of Chicken Franchise

Pros of Chicken franchise opportunities

There are many pros to owning or franchising a chicken restaurant. The most obvious pro is the income potential. A successful chicken restaurant can generate a healthy stream of revenue, allowing you to live a comfortable lifestyle while also having the opportunity to grow your business.

Another pro is the opportunity to work in a highly visible and respected industry. Chickens are one of the most popular foods in the world, and there is a lot of competition out there. Owning or franchising a chicken restaurant gives you a leg up on the competition and a greater chance of success.

Finally, chicken fast food franchise restaurants are a great way to learn about business. They are highly demanding businesses

Cons of Chicken Franchise Opportunities

There are a few potential cons to consider when considering a chicken franchise opportunity. The first is that chicken franchisees may have to deal with low margins and high competition. This can make it difficult to make a profit and can lead to long hours and stress. The second potential con is that chicken franchises may be difficult to expand. This is because they require a lot of up-front investment, and it can be difficult to find new locations. Finally, chicken franchises may not be as popular as other fast food options, so they may not be as lucrative.

 

Which is the best Chicken franchise to own?

There are many franchise opportunities in the Chicken sector. Some are better than others for various reasons. 

Here are 15 of the best Chicken franchises in the United States and Canada.

1. Chicken Salad Chick franchise 

Since its launch in 2012, the Chicken Salad Chick has grown to include 140 locations across the USA. A fast-food casual chain, it is known for its fresh-ingredient menu items and chicken salad. Franchisees benefit from a straightforward business model and a healthy work-life balance.

• Initial investment: $744,300–$990,500
• Franchise fee: $50,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 2-3%

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

Established in 1982, Buffalo Wild Wings has been franchising since 1991. It is a network of sports bars with a focus on beer and buffalo wings. These are sit-down venues, therefore they need bigger spaces and staff. It provides a huge selection of sandwiches, chicken wings, and other products and drinks, including alcoholic ones.

• Initial investment: $2,481,500 – $4,804,800
• Franchise fee: $25,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 3.25%

3. Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken is a well-known fried chicken chain with Texas roots that was founded in 1952 and currently has locations all over the world. There are several geographical kinds coupled with a potential for both, domestic and global expansion. Because there are so many possibilities, startup expenses also differ greatly.

• Initial investment: $676,500-$1,464,335
• Franchise fee: $15,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 5%

4. Chick-Fil-A Franchise

Founded in 1967, this is a well-known chicken franchise. It is renowned for its mouthwatering sandwiches and warm southern hospitality. This company seeks out engaged business owners who are looking to manage their staff and give back to the community.

• Initial investment: $219,055-$2,912,697 
• Franchise fee: $10,000
• Royalty fee: 8%
• Advertising fee: 3.25%

5. KFC franchise

Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, started doing business in 1939 and began franchising in 1952. It is among the most well-known brands in this market. In addition to the chicken they prepare using secret techniques, they also provide delicious sides and buttermilk biscuits. 

• Initial investment: $1,440,600-$3,163,550
• Franchise fee: $135,000-$540,000
• Royalty fee: 5% 
• Advertising fee: 5%

6. Zaxby’s Franchise

Established in 1990, Zaxby’s is a well-known fast-casual chain that mostly serves the South. Salads, wings, fingers, and sandwiches made with chicken are its specialty. Variable startup expenses are present. However, franchisees need to be financially stable, with liquid assets of about at least $500,000 and a net worth of at least $1 million.

• Initial investment: $1,391,700-$3,266,200
• Franchise fee: $35,000
• Royalty fee: 6%
• Advertising fee: 4%

7. El Pollo Rocco

Fire-grilled chicken is El Pollo Loco’s specialty. There is a lot of space for expansion outside of the Southwest US where current locations are mostly concentrated. El Pollo Loco has also broadened its menu, branching out into burritos and salads, and is now a rival to other chains of Mexican-style eateries like Taco Bell and Del Taco.

• Initial investment: $500,000 to $1,900,000
• Franchise fee: $40,000
• Royalty fee: 4%
• Advertising fee

8. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Franchise

Since 1972, Popeyes has gained popularity as a quick-service restaurant. A popular option in markets all across the nation, the corporation has a long history and is a well-known brand. Spicy chicken, biscuits, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, rice and red beans, and other quick-service menu items are just a few of the Louisiana-inspired dishes on Popeyes’ distinctive menu that set it apart from its competition.

• Initial investment: $109,500 to $3,545,800
• Franchise fee: $50,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 4%

9. East Coast Wings + Grill

A full-service restaurant chain called East Coast Wings + Grill was founded in 2001 and specializes in serving hot wings with a range of special sauces and sides. East Coast Wings + Grill started franchising in 2004 and today has more than 30 locations with restaurant-style eating. They offer special flavors of chicken burgers, wings, ribs, appetizers, beer, and more to their customers.

• Initial investment: $428,868 to $982,775
• Franchise fee: $40,000
• Royalty fee: 5% 
• Advertising fee: 2%

10. Champs Chicken

Champs Chicken provides a comprehensive franchise opportunity; it was founded in 1998 and has been franchising since that year. One of the chicken franchise industry’s fastest-growing businesses, with most of its locations established inside of other businesses like gas stations and supermarkets. There is no franchise fee, although the upfront fees can differ greatly.

• Initial investment: $9K-$349K
• Franchise fee: 0
• Royalty fee: 0%
• Advertising fee: 0%

11. Atomic Wings 

Established in 1989, Atomic Wings is a well-known brand with prospects for multi-unit franchising. A fast-casual restaurant called Atomic Wings serves natural, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free Buffalo wings. They never use frozen wings, and we have 16 special sauces available! They are renowned for serving more than just wings, as well, including fantastic fries, tenders, burgers, salads, and a lot more. 

• Initial investment: $155,900-$338,500
• Franchise fee: $25,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 0%

12. Wingstop franchise

In 1994, the Wingstop franchise opened its doors, offering franchise opportunities in both domestic and foreign markets. Franchisees must have previous experience managing multiple restaurants. The restaurant’s specialty is flavorful chicken wings served with salads, beverages, and dips. Entrepreneurs owning 1,000 Wingstop restaurants throughout the world have already realized the great restaurant franchise potential.

• Initial investment: $315,310-$948,080
• Franchise fee: $20,000
• Royalty fee: 6%
• Advertising fee: 4%

13. Slim Chickens franchise

In the United States, Slim Chickens already operates more than or about 150 dine-in locations, and there is still plenty of space for expansion. Having been established in 2003, the company currently provides great branding and assistance. Locations of the Slim Chickens franchise provide main courses of chicken along with sides like fried mushrooms or pickles that have been southern fried. Desserts like chocolate ⁶brownie and strawberry cheesecake are scrumptious and should be saved for last.

• Initial investment: $1,628,900-$4,389,000
• Franchise fee: $15,000
• Royalty fee: 5%
• Advertising fee: 3%

14. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Established in 1966, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken provides catering, carryout, and dine-in services. They support you with everything, including site selection and bulk shopping. Their franchisees run a fast-service restaurant with a menu that includes chicken, biscuits, and additional products at a specific location.

• Initial investment: $352,400-$1,915,700
• Franchise fee: $15,000-$20,000
• Royalty fee: 4-6%
• Advertising fee: 2%

15. Wing Zone

Wing Zone is a fast-casual restaurant chain that was established in 1993. It is known for its quick, delicious wings and provides franchisees with a flexible business plan. Opportunities for multiple units and abroad are also available. With a diverse cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, Wing Zone attracts large groups for dinner, lunch, and late-night dining.

• Initial investment: $421,000-$751,000
• Franchise fee: $30,000-$40,000
• Royalty fee: 6-7%
• Advertising fee: 3.5%

Top and Best Chicken Franchises in the USA in 2023

 

Best Upcoming Chicken Franchise Opportunities in 2023 

• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• KFC
• Buffalo wild wings
• Wingstop
• Chester’s

Best Chicken franchises opportunities under 50K

• Chester’s                                        

Best Chicken Franchises opportunities in terms of Net Worth

• Chicken Salad Chick
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Church’s Chicken
• Chick-fil-A
• KFC

Which is the Most Profitable Chicken franchise?

• KFC
• FunChick Fried Chicken
• Bangs Fried Chicken

Best Chicken Franchise opportunities in terms of the Rankings

• KFC
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• Chick-fil-A
• Wingstop
• Church’s Chicken
• Buffalo Wild Wings

Best Chicken franchise opportunities in terms of the Franchise Deck Ratings

	Chicken franchise	Franchise Deck Ratings
1.	KFC	4.1/5.0
2.	Steak and Shake	3.9/5.0
3.	Chicken Salad Chick	3.9/5.0
4.	Golden Chicken	3.7/5.0
5.	Dave’s Hot Chicken	3.7/5.0

How to select the best Chicken franchises for sale in 2023?

The aforementioned chicken franchises offer a variety of business opportunities. Here is some advice for potential franchise owners looking for the finest opportunity for their particular requirements.

• Determining the budget 

In the chicken industry, franchise costs can range from $200,000 to more or about $2 million. Many franchises have minimum requirements for net worth and liquid assets. Therefore, before considering applying, it is important to set a strict budget.

• Analyzing the local market 

There may be a lot of fast-food restaurants in some locations and more dine-in options in others. To draw in more consumers, it is important to look out for a restaurant model that differs slightly from the others in your neighborhood.

• Thinking about the business style that suits you the best 

Do you intend to be actively involved in running your chicken restaurant every day? Or would bringing in a management group be more of your style? How about training sessions or off days? Find a franchise model that suits your lifestyle by taking into account how you wish your work life to come off. 

• Comparing features and services

The next step is to examine the specific possibilities that each company has to offer. To learn about your most crucial services, you should consult the franchise disclosure form and talk to company representatives.

Are Chicken franchises profitable?

Although there are high startup costs associated with starting a chicken business, choosing an appropriate market can make it highly successful. Franchises have reported profit margins as high as 8%. Additionally, total sales might range from roughly $50,000 to about $3 million annually. Everything depends greatly on the type of business and its location.

Conclusion: Is Chicken Franchise a good choice?

A chicken franchise is a well-known and enduring favorite in the United States and even abroad. A chicken franchise can be the right choice if a person is interested in the restaurant business and is seeking out an alternative to burgers.

Chicken franchises have a proven track record of success and ongoing expansion. More and more customers are searching for novel substitutes because they are sick of the same old burger. Chicken is not just confined to the frying corner anymore; t his adaptable bird has undergone a recent, healthy shift to grilled chicken options. There are now bits, patties, burritos, nuggets, wraps, and a lot more varieties available in the market. 

With the potential for rapid growth and huge expansion, this franchising sector proves to be a reliable evolving restaurant business. Buffet franchises are frequently incorporated into many well-known fast-food chicken franchises since they are a quick and effective way to build great businesses.

Entrepreneurs who want to open a franchise in the Chicken franchises category can look at 

• Chick-Fil-A franchise
• Pluckers franchise
• Zaxby’s franchise
• Halal Guys Franchise
• Golden Chick franchise
• Chicken Salad Chick franchise
• Steak and Shake franchise
• Charleys Philly Steak franchise
• KFC franchise
• Popeye’s franchise
• Wingstop franchise
• Chicken Guy Franchise
• Raising Cane’s Franchise
• Bojangles
• Chester’s
• Buffalo wild wings