Goodbye KFC: the chicken chain that will open many restaurants in the United States

The gastronomic map of the southern United States is changing. A new chicken-specialized chain is growing rapidly and, to the surprise of many, it is not KFC. It is Chicken Salad Chick, a brand that is betting on a different proposal and is gaining ground with each opening.

The company, known for its menu based on homemade chicken salads, will open its 40th restaurant on June 4 in Temple, Texas. This new location is part of an aggressive expansion that seeks to position the brand as a fresh and healthy alternative in the fast-food market. A space traditionally dominated by heavier and more caloric options.

The healthy competition to KFC

Chicken Salad Chick has managed to stand out in a highly competitive environment. It has done so without resorting to fried foods or menus saturated with ultra-processed products. Its menu focuses on a variety of chicken salad recipes, served in different formats. You can eat it in sandwiches, plates, or accompanied by soups and light sides.

The brand was founded in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, and since then has kept sustained growth. Its focus on quality, customer service, and a family image has been key to attracting an audience that seeks speed without giving up healthier options. Today, it is one of the southern franchises with the greatest national projection.

Temple, in central Texas, is the chosen place to continue this expansion. The city has experienced an increase in demand for modern gastronomic options.

This makes the arrival of Chicken Salad Chick a strategic move. The company hopes that this new opening will strengthen its presence in the state and serve as a model for future establishments.

Beyond the food, the concept also includes a cozy atmosphere, homey decoration, and personalized attention that seeks to build customer loyalty from the first visit. This complete experience has been essential to its popularity.

In contrast, brands like KFC have recently faced criticism for a lack of innovation. Also for not adapting quickly enough to new food trends.

Although it remains a giant in the sector, its dominance is no longer absolute. The rise of chains like Chicken Salad Chick shows that today's consumer seeks variety, freshness, and a different relationship with food.

The expansion will not stop in Temple. Chicken Salad Chick has plans to continue growing across the country, especially in the southeastern and south-central United States. Projections indicate that the brand could double its number of locations in the coming years if it keeps this pace.

In an industry in constant evolution, the success of Chicken Salad Chick marks a paradigm shift. Chicken remains the protagonist, but with a much lighter, homemade approach focused on the customer's well-being. With this new recipe for success, even KFC will have to take note.