Neither KFC nor Popeyes: the true king of fried chicken opens more locations in the US

The fried chicken market in the United States is more competitive than ever. Major chains like KFC and Popeyes have dominated for years, but now a new player is quickly gaining ground. Their expansion strategy is sparking a lot of interest, especially in a key state of the country.

It is Layne's Chicken Fingers, a chain originating from Texas that has decided to make a strong bet on Ohio. In the next year, it will open four locations in the Miami Valley region, with the intention of solidifying its presence and attracting fried chicken lovers. This expansion is part of a broader plan that seeks to conquer new markets outside of Texas.

The Texan bet that conquers Ohio

Layne's Chicken Fingers was born in 1994 in College Station, Texas, and since then has been growing slowly but steadily. Its success is based on a special recipe of chicken fingers accompanied by homemade sauces that make the difference. Their offering has received praise on social media, where many users claim that their spicy chicken surpasses that of rivals like Popeyes or Chick-fil-A.

The ones responsible for bringing the brand to Ohio are the franchisees, Mauricio Blanco and Marvin Monroy, two entrepreneurs with great experience in the sector, according to The Sun. Blanco manages several Pollo Campero franchises, while Monroy runs a construction company with more than 100 employees. Both quickly fell in love with Layne's and are determined to expand the brand in the Dayton area.

The plan is to open at least six locations, starting with Huber Heights, although definitive agreements for the locations have not yet been finalized. The idea is to speed up opening times by using existing locations, which will allow each restaurant to open in about six months.

A menu that combines tradition and originality

The key to Layne's success is offering a product that attracts both those who prefer classic fried chicken and those looking for more innovative flavors. Their menu includes fried or grilled chicken, served in sandwiches, wraps, or traditional baskets, accompanied by sides like fries and shakes.

One of Layne's great attractions is its six sauces made daily, ranging from classic barbecue to a spicy jalapeño ranch. This variety allows each customer to customize their experience and return eager to try new combinations. According to Blanco, the goal is for more and more people to try the product and see for themselves that Layne's is a quality alternative in fried chicken.

Since Layne's began franchising in 2021, it has opened more than 25 restaurants in several states, including Texas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Utah. The arrival in Ohio represents an important strategic step for the chain, which sees great potential for growth in this region. The first opening in Ohio will be in Parma, with Dayton and possibly Cincinnati and Columbus in sight for future expansions.