The chicken salad chain now operates 32 of its 105 locations, with significant growth planned for 2019
Auburn, AL (December 21, 2018) — Chicken Salad Chick this week said that it purchased 11 locations in Georgia from the brand’s largest franchise operator, Origin Development Group.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition gives the Auburn, Ala.-based chicken salad chain 32 company restaurants among 105 total locations. The brand expects to continue developing company restaurants as well as franchise locations—including as many as 40 new locations next year, which would be nearly 40% growth for the fast-growing concept.
In this instance, Chicken Salad Chick’s purchase of 11 locations in Georgia gives it a bigger foothold in a huge market: Atlanta. “Atlanta is an important market for us,” Scott Deviney, Chicken Salad Chick’s CEO, said in a statement. “In just two and a half years, Origin substantially increased our presence in the area, while successfully managing operations.”
Darren DeVore and Lauren Fernandez of Origin bought three Atlanta locations in 2016 and has grown the business to 11 locations since then. Stacy Brown created Chicken Salad Chick in 2008 after the local health department said she had to stop serving chicken salad from her home. The brand grew quickly, began franchising in 2012 and sold a majority stake to Eagle Merchant Partners in 2015.
ABOUT CHICKEN SALAD CHICK
Founded in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008, 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, Chicken Salad Chick’s robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Today, the brand has 137 restaurants in 16 states and is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.
ABOUT EAGLE MERCHANT PARTNERS
Eagle Merchant Partners is an Atlanta, Georgia based private equity firm focused on investments in Southeastern companies with unique growth opportunities. The partnership is one of the most experienced private equity investors in the region, investing in sixteen companies with more than $1.5 billion in revenues. For more information, visit eaglemerchantpartners.com.