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With regards to fast-food favorites, hen franchises supply a finger-licking array of crispy delights and succulent flavors. From basic fried hen recipes to revolutionary takes on poultry perfection, these franchises maintain a particular place within the hearts (and stomachs) of meals fans in every single place.
For entrepreneurs hungry for fulfillment, franchising alternatives within the chicken industry present a golden ticket to carving their area of interest in a extremely demanded market.
Be a part of us on a flavorful journey as we dive into the highest hen franchises of 2024, based on the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking. From beloved hometown joints to sprawling chains with nationwide acclaim, these franchises serve up crispy, juicy goodness that retains prospects clucking again for extra.
So seize a serviette and prepare to sink your tooth into the perfect hen franchises at the moment.
1. Popeyes Lousiana Kitchen
- Based: 1972
- Franchising since: 1976
- Total rank: 3
- Variety of models: 4,091
- Change in models: +21.1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $384,000-$3,700,000
- Management: Sami Siddiqui, President
- Dad or mum firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is famend for its scrumptious and inexpensive New Orleans-style fried hen, with a historical past courting again to 1972 when it was based as Hen on the Run by Al Copeland. After rebranding to Popeyes and introducing spicy fried hen, the franchise expanded quickly, now boasting over 4,000 areas throughout the U.S. and 30 international locations worldwide. Greater than 50 years since its launch, it stays a number one fast-food chain. Franchising with Popeyes provides the chance to affix a highly successful quick-service restaurant model identified for its recognition each domestically and internationally.
2. KFC
- Based: 1930
- Franchising since: 1952
- Total rank: 12
- Variety of models: 28,475
- Change in models: +16.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,900,000-$3,800,000
- Management: Tarun Lal, President
- Dad or mum firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
KFC, identified for its iconic fried hen recipe created by Colonel Harland Sanders, is without doubt one of the world’s hottest fast-food franchises. With greater than 28,000 eating places throughout 115 international locations, KFC provides immediate brand recognition and a proprietary menu that units it other than opponents. Franchising with KFC gives entry to an enormous buyer base, with roughly 185 million folks exposed to KFC commercials weekly within the U.S. The franchise’s menu enlargement, together with hen wings, sandwiches and homestyle sides, ensures ongoing market relevance and buyer enchantment.
3. Wingstop
- Based: 1994
- Franchising since: 1998
- Total rank: 14
- Variety of models: 2,046
- Change in models: +42.5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $326,000-$975,000
- Management: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc.
Wingstop, identified for its buffalo-style hen wings, has been a profitable fast-food franchise since its inception in 1994. With over 2,000 eating places, Wingstop provides franchisees glorious company help, complete coaching sources and comparatively low startup prices and royalty charges in comparison with different franchises. Moreover, Wingstop’s focus on online ordering reduces the necessity for in depth staffing, making it a horny franchise alternative for aspiring entrepreneurs.
4. Slim Chickens
- Based: 2003
- Franchising since: 2011
- Total rank: 84
- Variety of models: 214
- Change in models: +130.1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,600,000-$4,400,000
- Management: Sam Rothschild, COO & Associate
- Dad or mum firm: Slim Chickens
Based in 2003, Slim Chickens focuses on serving hand-breaded hen utilizing recent elements. With greater than 200 areas, it provides most important course hen meals with distinctive sides like southern-fried pickles and desserts served in Mason jars. Slim Chickens emphasizes group service and catering for varied occasions. Superb franchisees ought to prioritize quality food and buyer satisfaction, with hospitality or restaurant expertise most well-liked. Monetary readiness for preliminary and ongoing charges is important, together with assembly the corporate’s internet value necessities.
5. Golden Chick
- Based: 1967
- Franchising since: 1972
- Total rank: 86
- Variety of models: 212
- Change in models: +15.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,200,000-$1,900,000
- Management: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Golden Franchising Corp.
Golden Chick, based in 1967 as Golden Fried Hen and rebranded in 1996, provides franchise alternatives with greater than 200 shops throughout the U.S. Franchisees come from numerous backgrounds, together with army veterans and company professionals, attracted by the friendly atmosphere and high quality service. Franchisees obtain help in advertising and marketing, promoting and coaching from the skilled Golden Chick workforce. Monetary readiness for preliminary and ongoing charges, together with assembly set internet value and liquid capital necessities, is important for potential franchisees.
6. Bojangles
- Based: 1977
- Franchising since: 1978
- Total rank: 115
- Variety of models: 798
- Change in models: +6.5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $623,000-$3,600,000
- Management: Patricia Halpin, VP of Progress
- Dad or mum firm: The Jordan Firm and Durational Capital Administration LP
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits, based in 1977, provides franchise alternatives with almost 800 areas within the U.S. Recognized for its numerous menu gadgets and emphasis on sturdy gross sales all through the day, Bojangles’ operates with a repute for franchise help and cooperation. Advertising help and placement choice are supplied to new franchisees, who profit from the expertise of seasoned industry professionals.
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7. Zaxby’s
- Based: 1990
- Franchising since: 1994
- Total rank: 133
- Variety of models: 922
- Change in models: +1.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,400,000-$3,300,000
- Management: Bernard Acoca, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Zaxby’s Franchising LLC
Zaxby’s is a Southern-based restaurant chain providing buffalo wings, sandwiches and salads, with over 900 shops, largely owned by franchisees. The corporate seeks franchisees who embody group management, high quality and integrity. With a rising demand for healthier fast-food choices, Zaxby’s provides the potential for top returns on funding. Franchisees ought to be financially ready for preliminary and ongoing charges, assembly set internet value and liquid capital necessities.
8. Buffalo Wild Wings
- Based: 1982
- Franchising since: 1991
- Total rank: 195
- Variety of models: 1,252
- Change in models: -1.0% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $2,500,000-$4,800,000
- Management: Lyle Tick, President
- Dad or mum firm: Encourage Manufacturers
Buffalo Wild Wings, based in 1982 and franchising since 1991, provides wings, beer and sports-themed eating. With over 1,200 franchises, they focus on wings and specialty sauces. As a part of the Encourage Manufacturers household, franchisees should adhere to requirements whereas having room for creativity in decor and promotions. Superb candidates have a ardour for meals, group and enterprise constructing. Becoming a member of Buffalo Wild Wings provides an opportunity to be a part of a global network offering inexpensive eating in an informal, enjoyable ambiance.
9. Chester’s
- Based: 1952
- Franchising since: 2004
- Total rank: 267
- Variety of models: 1,092
- Change in models: -18.0% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $28,000-$297,000
- Management: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
- Dad or mum firm: N/A
Chester’s, established in 1952, makes a speciality of recent, marinated, double-breaded fried hen utilizing a secret household recipe. With over 1,000 areas in comfort shops, truck stops and supermarkets, the model started franchising in 2004 after initially specializing in corporate-owned shops. The menu contains bone-in hen, tenders, biscuits and sides like potato wedges and mashed potatoes. Chester’s emphasizes teamwork, honesty and a enjoyable ambiance, providing in depth coaching and help for franchisees. They supply steerage on operations, together with waste administration, margin calculation, upselling and hen frying strategies.
10. Wings And so forth.
- Based: 1994
- Franchising since: 2005
- Total rank: 383
- Variety of models: 80
- Change in models: +6.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $344,000-$2,800,000
- Management: Rob Hensmann, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Wings And so forth. Inc.
Step into the final word sports activities and household hangout at Wings Etc., the place each go to guarantees a successful mixture of mouthwatering delicacies and laid-back vibes. Established in 1994 by Jim Weaver, this grill and pub franchise has perfected the artwork of serving up hearty fare, together with their well-known jumbo wings, burgers, wraps and extra. Whether or not you are catching the sport on one of many many flat-screen TVs or difficult buddies to arcade-level video video games, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. With greater than 50 U.S. franchises and 25 corporate-owned areas, Wings And so forth. continues to be the go-to vacation spot for households searching for healthful enjoyable and scrumptious eats.
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11. Lee’s Well-known Recipe Hen
- Based: 1966
- Franchising since: 1967
- Total rank: 415
- Variety of models: 126
- Change in models: -3.0% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $428,000-$2,100,000
- Management: Ryan Weaver, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Artemis Restaurant Corp.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, established in 1966, is a famend quick-service restaurant franchise identified for its scrumptious hen dishes, homestyle sides and delectable biscuits. With over half a century of expertise, Lee’s has perfected its recipes, providing prospects a flavorful and satisfying eating expertise. The franchise’s give attention to high quality elements and conventional cooking strategies has garnered a loyal following throughout its quite a few areas. Lee’s Well-known Recipe Hen continues to uphold its repute for serving mouthwatering, basic Southern fare with pleasant service and a dedication to excellence.
12. Bonchon Korean Fried Hen
- Based: 2002
- Franchising since: 2006
- Total rank: 474
- Variety of models: 415
- Change in models: +19.6% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $203,000-$1,200,000
- Management: Amanda Millikan, VP, Growth
- Dad or mum firm: Bonchon Franchise LLC
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, based in 2002 by Jinduk Website positioning, provides hand-battered, double-fried hen with signature sauces. Since franchising in 2006, it has expanded to over 400 areas. Franchisees can faucet into diversified eating experiences, interesting to households, professionals and sports activities followers. House owners ought to count on to be hands-on in each day operations, however prior restaurant expertise is not important. Bonchon has earned recognition in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for its model power and help.
13. Dave’s Scorching Hen
- Based: 2018
- Franchising since: 2019
- Total rank: 482
- Variety of models: 152
- Change in models: +3,700,0% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $616,000-$1,800,000
- Management: Invoice Phelps, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: DHC Franchise
Initially conceived by 4 buddies frying hen in a parking zone with only one fryer, Dave’s Hot Chicken has developed into a worldwide franchise boasting greater than 150 areas. Its meteoric rise to success has attracted high-profile buyers such because the acclaimed artist Drake. From humble beginnings to worldwide acclaim, Dave’s Scorching Hen continues to captivate taste buds with its signature spicy hen choices and revolutionary strategy to fast-casual eating.
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14. Champs Hen
- Based: 1998
- Franchising since: 2013
- Total rank: N/R
- Variety of models: 409
- Change in models: +0.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $9,000-$349,000
- Management: Shawn Burcham, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: Professional Meals Techniques Inc.
Based in 1999, Champs Chicken prides itself on coming from humble beginnings. The corporate started within the founders’ storage in Missouri with the thought of “doing issues higher.” Now, Champs Chicken has expanded to tons of of areas throughout the nation. The model’s guiding ideas are wonderful service, final meals expertise and having a blast.
15. Wings and Rings
- Based: 1984
- Franchising since: 1988
- Total rank: N/R
- Variety of models: 87
- Change in models: +7.4% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,500,000-$2,00,000
- Management: Nader Masadeh, CEO
- Dad or mum firm: N/A
Wings and Rings, beforehand often known as Buffalo Wings and Rings, has emerged as a distinguished sports-inspired restaurant chain with over 80 areas throughout the U.S. and internationally. Famend for its flavorful menu choices and vibrant ambiance, it has grow to be a favourite vacation spot for sports activities fans and meals lovers alike. Aspiring franchisees with a eager understanding of the native market, prior expertise in managing multiple restaurants and a ardour for group engagement are supreme candidates to run a Wings and Rings franchise. The model’s numerous menu, highlighted by its well-known buffalo wings and onion rings, coupled with its VIP service and full of life ambiance, ensures a dynamic expertise for patrons.
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