Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a beloved Texas-based fast-food chain, has earned significant recognition by securing the No. 6 spot on Restaurant Business’s prestigious annual Future 50 list. This ranking celebrates the nation’s fastest-growing small restaurant concepts and highlights Layne’s remarkable trajectory, driven by impressive sales growth and strategic expansion efforts.
A High-Profile Recognition in a Competitive Market
The Restaurant Business Future 50 list is a key indicator of burgeoning brands within the food industry, evaluating companies based on their systemwide sales and consistent unit and sales growth. For Layne’s Chicken Fingers to achieve such a prominent position, especially in a crowded field where chicken concepts often dominate, underscores the brand’s potent market appeal and operational success. The list aims to identify emerging chains that are poised for significant future development and market impact. The 2025 list saw a strong presence from chicken and coffee concepts, with Layne’s standing out as a prime example of rapid, sustainable growth.
Exponential Growth Fuels Nationwide Acclaim
Layne’s Chicken Fingers has experienced a period of extraordinary growth, a key factor contributing to its high ranking. The company reported a substantial 67% year-over-year sales increase in 2024, coupled with a 50% expansion in its unit count within the same timeframe. This robust performance is further validated by an 11% increase in same-store sales and double-digit growth in customer traffic during the first half of 2024. Since 2021, Layne’s has effectively doubled its size annually, demonstrating a consistent and powerful expansion strategy. In 2024 alone, the brand’s systemwide sales reached $30 million, a testament to the increasing demand for its signature chicken fingers.
Expanding Horizons Beyond the Lone Star State
While deeply rooted in Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers is aggressively pursuing opportunities across the country. With its home state largely sold out for franchising, the brand is strategically planting new locations in markets such as Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Ohio. Expansion efforts are also underway in the Mid-Atlantic region, including new restaurants planned in Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas. This multi-state push signifies a calculated move to build brand awareness and capitalize on existing demand in new territories. By the close of 2026, Layne’s anticipates surpassing the 80-unit mark, a significant leap from its current impressive footprint.
The Layne’s Legacy and Leadership
Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, by Mike Layne, the restaurant quickly became a local legend near the Texas A&M campus, renowned for its straightforward menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast. The brand’s current leadership, including CEO Garrett Reed and COO Samir Wattar, has been instrumental in refining operations and spearheading its franchising efforts since 2021. Their focus on maintaining the integrity of the guest experience and franchisee support has been a cornerstone of Layne’s successful expansion, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of quality.
Navigating a Crowded Food Landscape
Layne’s Chicken Fingers operates within a highly competitive fast-food landscape, particularly in the popular chicken segment. The brand distinguishes itself by focusing on its core offering and fostering a strong connection with its customers. The inclusion of other Texas-based chains like Summer Moon Coffee and Via 313 Pizzeria on the same Future 50 list indicates a strong wave of innovation and growth emanating from the state’s culinary scene. As Layne’s continues its national expansion, its success serves as compelling news for the restraunt industry, showcasing how a focused approach and strategic growth can lead to significant acclaim.
Future Outlook
With a solid foundation, impressive growth metrics, and a clear expansion strategy, Layne’s Chicken Fingers is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. Its ranking on Restaurant Business’s Future 50 list is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but a strong indicator of its promising future in the trending fast-casual food market.
