The Top 15 Chicken Franchises In 2024

When it comes to fast-food favorites, chickenhearted franchises relationship a finger-licking array of crispy delights and succulent flavors. From classical fried chickenhearted recipes to innovative takes connected poultry perfection, these franchises clasp a emblematic spot successful nan hearts (and stomachs) of nutrient enthusiasts everywhere.

For entrepreneurs quiet for success, franchising opportunities successful nan chickenhearted manufacture proviso a aureate summons to carving their niche successful a highly demanded market.

Join america connected a flavorful recreation arsenic we dive into nan apical chickenhearted franchises of 2024, according to nan 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking. From beloved hometown joints to sprawling chains pinch nationwide acclaim, these franchises work up crispy, juicy goodness that keeps customers clucking backmost for more.

So drawback a napkin and get caller to descend your teeth into nan champion chickenhearted franchises today.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized database of franchises that lucifer your lifestyle, interests and budget.

1. Popeyes Lousiana Kitchen

• Founded: 1972
• Franchising since: 1976
• Overall rank: 3
• Number of units: 4,091
• Change successful units: +21.1% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $384,000-$3,700,000
• Leadership: Sami Siddiqui, President
• Parent company: Restaurant Brands Int'l.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is renowned for its delicious and affordable New Orleans-style fried chicken, pinch a history making emotion backmost to 1972 erstwhile it was founded arsenic Chicken connected nan Run by Al Copeland. After rebranding to Popeyes and introducing spicy fried chicken, nan franchise expanded rapidly, now boasting complete 4,000 locations crossed nan U.S. and 30 countries worldwide. More than 50 years since its launch, it remains a starring fast-food chain. Franchising pinch Popeyes offers nan opportunity to subordinate a highly successful quick-service edifice marque known for its fame immoderate domestically and internationally.

2. KFC

• Founded: 1930
• Franchising since: 1952
• Overall rank: 12
• Number of units: 28,475
• Change successful units: +16.7% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,900,000-$3,800,000
• Leadership: Tarun Lal, President
• Parent company: Yum! Brands Inc.

KFC, known for its iconic fried chickenhearted look created by Colonel Harland Sanders, is 1 of nan world's astir celebrated fast-food franchises. With overmuch than 28,000 restaurants crossed 115 countries, KFC offers contiguous marque nickname and a proprietary insubstantial that sets it isolated from competitors. Franchising pinch KFC provides entree to a immense customer base, pinch astir 185 cardinal group exposed to KFC commercials play successful nan U.S. The franchise's insubstantial explanation , including chickenhearted wings, sandwiches and homestyle sides, ensures ongoing marketplace relevance and customer appeal.

Related: From Global Giants Like Taco Bell and McDonald's to Emerging Brands Like Crumbl, These Are The Top 15 Fast Food Franchises

3. Wingstop

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 1998
• Overall rank: 14
• Number of units: 2,046
• Change successful units: +42.5% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $326,000-$975,000
• Leadership: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
• Parent company: Wingstop Restaurants Inc.

Wingstop, known for its buffalo-style chickenhearted wings, has been a successful fast-food franchise since its inception successful 1994. With complete 2,000 restaurants, Wingstop offers franchisees fantabulous patient support, wide training resources and comparatively debased startup costs and royalty fees compared to different franchises. Additionally, Wingstop's attraction connected online ordering reduces nan petition for extended staffing, making it an charismatic franchise opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.

4. Slim Chickens

• Founded: 2003
• Franchising since: 2011
• Overall rank: 84
• Number of units: 214
• Change successful units: +130.1% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,600,000-$4,400,000
• Leadership: Sam Rothschild, COO & Partner
• Parent company: Slim Chickens

Founded successful 2003, Slim Chickens focuses connected serving hand-breaded chickenhearted utilizing caller ingredients. With overmuch than 200 locations, it offers main group chickenhearted meals pinch unsocial sides for illustration southern-fried pickles and desserts served successful Mason jars. Slim Chickens emphasizes statement activity and catering for various events. Ideal franchisees should prioritize worth nutrient and customer satisfaction, pinch hospitality aliases edifice acquisition preferred. Financial readiness for first and ongoing fees is essential, connected pinch gathering nan company's nett worthy requirements.

5. Golden Chick

• Founded: 1967
• Franchising since: 1972
• Overall rank: 86
• Number of units: 212
• Change successful units: +15.2% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,200,000-$1,900,000
• Leadership: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
• Parent company: Golden Franchising Corp.

Golden Chick, founded successful 1967 arsenic Golden Fried Chicken and rebranded successful 1996, offers franchise opportunities pinch overmuch than 200 outlets crossed nan U.S. Franchisees recreation from divers backgrounds, including taxable veterans and patient professionals, attracted by nan friends ambiance and worth service. Franchisees personification support successful marketing, advertizing and training from nan knowledgeable Golden Chick team. Financial readiness for first and ongoing fees, connected pinch gathering group nett worthy and liquid superior requirements, is basal for prospective franchisees.

6. Bojangles

• Founded: 1977
• Franchising since: 1978
• Overall rank: 115
• Number of units: 798
• Change successful units: +6.5% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $623,000-$3,600,000
• Leadership: Patricia Halpin, VP of Growth
• Parent company: The Jordan Company and Durational Capital Management LP

Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits, founded successful 1977, offers franchise opportunities pinch astir 800 locations successful nan U.S. Known for its divers insubstantial items and accent connected beardown income passim nan day, Bojangles' operates pinch a estimation for franchise support and cooperation. Marketing assistance and location action are provided to caller franchisees, who usage from nan acquisition of seasoned manufacture professionals.

Related: How Immigrating from Argentina to nan Bronx Prepared Her for Life arsenic a Franchise

7. Zaxby's

• Founded: 1990
• Franchising since: 1994
• Overall rank: 133
• Number of units: 922
• Change successful units: +1.8% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,400,000-$3,300,000
• Leadership: Bernard Acoca, CEO
• Parent company: Zaxby's Franchising LLC

Zaxby's is simply a Southern-based edifice concatenation offering buffalo wings, sandwiches and salads, pinch complete 900 outlets, mostly owned by franchisees. The institution seeks franchisees who embody statement leadership, worth and integrity. With a expanding petition for healthier fast-food options, Zaxby's offers nan imaginable for precocious returns connected investment. Franchisees should beryllium financially prepared for first and ongoing fees, gathering group nett worthy and liquid superior requirements.

8. Buffalo Wild Wings

• Founded: 1982
• Franchising since: 1991
• Overall rank: 195
• Number of units: 1,252
• Change successful units: -1.0% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $2,500,000-$4,800,000
• Leadership: Lyle Tick, President
• Parent company: Inspire Brands

Buffalo Wild Wings, founded successful 1982 and franchising since 1991, offers wings, brew and sports-themed dining. With complete 1,200 franchises, they specialize successful wings and specialty sauces. As information of nan Inspire Brands family, franchisees must adhere to standards while having room for productivity successful decor and promotions. Ideal candidates personification a passion for food, statement and business building. Joining Buffalo Wild Wings offers a chance to beryllium information of a world web providing affordable eating successful a casual, nosy atmosphere.

9. Chester's

• Founded: 1952
• Franchising since: 2004
• Overall rank: 267
• Number of units: 1,092
• Change successful units: -18.0% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $28,000-$297,000
• Leadership: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
• Parent company: N/A

Chester's, established successful 1952, specializes successful fresh, marinated, double-breaded fried chickenhearted utilizing a concealed family recipe. With complete 1,000 locations successful convenience stores, motortruck stops and supermarkets, nan marque began franchising successful 2004 aft initially focusing connected corporate-owned stores. The insubstantial includes bone-in chicken, tenders, biscuits and sides for illustration murphy wedges and mashed potatoes. Chester's emphasizes teamwork, honesty and a nosy atmosphere, offering extended training and support for franchisees. They proviso guidance connected operations, including discarded management, separator calculation, upselling and chickenhearted frying techniques.

10. Wings Etc.

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 2005
• Overall rank: 383
• Number of units: 80
• Change successful units: +6.7% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $344,000-$2,800,000
• Leadership: Rob Hensmann, CEO
• Parent company: Wings Etc. Inc.

Step into nan eventual sports and family hangout astatine Wings Etc., wherever each sojourn promises a winning cognition of mouthwatering cuisine and laid-back vibes. Established successful 1994 by Jim Weaver, this grill and pub franchise has perfected nan creation of serving up hearty fare, including their celebrated jumbo wings, burgers, wraps and more. Whether you're catching nan crippled connected 1 of nan galore flat-screen TVs aliases challenging friends to arcade-level video games, there's point for everyone to enjoy. With overmuch than 50 U.S. franchises and 25 corporate-owned locations, Wings Etc. continues to beryllium nan go-to destination for families seeking wholesome nosy and delicious eats.

Related: Find Out Which Brands Have Ranked connected nan Franchise 500 for Longest, Earning a Spot In our New 'Hall of Fame

11. Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

• Founded: 1966
• Franchising since: 1967
• Overall rank: 415
• Number of units: 126
• Change successful units: -3.0% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $428,000-$2,100,000
• Leadership: Ryan Weaver, CEO
• Parent company: Artemis Restaurant Corp.

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, established successful 1966, is simply a renowned quick-service edifice franchise known for its delicious chickenhearted dishes, homestyle sides and delectable biscuits. With complete half a play of experience, Lee's has perfected its recipes, offering customers a flavorful and satisfying eating experience. The franchise's attraction connected worth ingredients and accepted cooking methods has garnered a loyal pursuing crossed its galore locations. Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken continues to uphold its estimation for serving mouthwatering, classical Southern fare pinch friends activity and a committedness to excellence.

12. Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken

• Founded: 2002
• Franchising since: 2006
• Overall rank: 474
• Number of units: 415
• Change successful units: +19.6% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $203,000-$1,200,000
• Leadership: Amanda Millikan, VP, Development
• Parent company: Bonchon Franchise LLC

Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken, founded successful 2002 by Jinduk Seo, offers hand-battered, double-fried chickenhearted pinch signature sauces. Since franchising successful 2006, it has expanded to complete 400 locations. Franchisees tin pat into varied eating experiences, appealing to families, professionals and sports fans. Owners should expect to beryllium hands-on successful regular operations, but anterior edifice acquisition isn't essential. Bonchon has earned nickname successful Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 for its marque spot and support.

13. Dave's Hot Chicken

• Founded: 2018
• Franchising since: 2019
• Overall rank: 482
• Number of units: 152
• Change successful units: +3,700,0% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $616,000-$1,800,000
• Leadership: Bill Phelps, CEO
• Parent company: DHC Franchise

Originally conceived by 4 friends frying chickenhearted successful a parking batch pinch conscionable 1 fryer, Dave's Hot Chicken has evolved into a world franchise boasting overmuch than 150 locations. Its meteoric emergence to occurrence has attracted high-profile investors specified arsenic nan acclaimed creator Drake. From humble beginnings to world acclaim, Dave's Hot Chicken continues to captivate sensation buds pinch its signature spicy chickenhearted offerings and innovative onslaught to fast-casual dining.

Related: Is Franchising Right For You? Ask Yourself These 9 Questions to Find Out

14. Champs Chicken

• Founded: 1998
• Franchising since: 2013
• Overall rank: N/R
• Number of units: 409
• Change successful units: +0.7% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $9,000-$349,000
• Leadership: Shawn Burcham, CEO
• Parent company: Pro Food Systems Inc.

Founded successful 1999, Champs Chicken prides itself connected coming from humble beginnings. The institution began successful nan founders' car shed successful Missouri pinch nan thought of "doing things better." Now, Champs Chicken has expanded to hundreds of locations crossed nan country. The brand's guiding principles are astonishing service, eventual nutrient acquisition and having a blast.

15. Wings and Rings

• Founded: 1984
• Franchising since: 1988
• Overall rank: N/R
• Number of units: 87
• Change successful units: +7.4% complete 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,500,000-$2,00,000
• Leadership: Nader Masadeh, CEO
• Parent company: N/A

Wings and Rings, antecedently known arsenic Buffalo Wings and Rings, has emerged arsenic a salient sports-inspired edifice concatenation pinch complete 80 locations crossed nan U.S. and internationally. Renowned for its flavorful insubstantial offerings and vibrant atmosphere, it has spell a favourite destination for sports enthusiasts and nutrient lovers alike. Aspiring franchisees pinch a keen knowing of nan conception market, anterior acquisition successful managing aggregate restaurants and a passion for statement engagement are cleanable candidates to tally a Wings and Rings franchise. The brand's divers menu, highlighted by its celebrated buffalo wings and bulb rings, coupled pinch its VIP activity and lively ambiance, ensures a move acquisition for patrons.

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