Layne’s Chicken Fingers: A Texas-Born Favorite with Nationwide Ambitions

Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers has built a reputation for serving high-quality chicken finger meals in a fast-casual setting.

Now headquartered in Texas, the brand launched its franchising program in 2018 and has steadily grown its footprint. Layne’s menu is centered around hand-breaded chicken tenders, sandwiches, and classic sides, all enhanced by its signature Layne’s Sauce.

The brand stands out for its streamlined menu and focus on fresh, consistently prepared food—a combination that has resonated with customers and helped it stand apart in the competitive chicken restaurant market.

Training

Layne’s Chicken Fingers provides a structured set of training programs to ensure that franchisees and their staff are well-prepared to operate under the franchise system. Here are the main types of training programs provided by the franchisor:

1. Initial Training Program
   Before opening, the Operations Manager and up to two others must complete an initial training program conducted at a designated location. This is mandatory and at no cost for the first three attendees, although additional participants may be added for a fee. Franchisees bear the travel, lodging, and other associated costs for attendees.
2. On-Site Opening Assistance
   The franchisor may provide on-site support for at least seven days during the restaurant’s opening phase. For first-time franchisees, this includes 2-3 franchisor staff members. Any associated travel or lodging costs are the franchisee's responsibility. Additional assistance can be requested or required, subject to availability.
3. Pre-Opening Consultation
   Franchisees receive advice and consultation before launching their restaurant. This may include support on restaurant development, equipment, inventory control, and layout design.
4. Ongoing Consultation and Support
   After opening, franchisors provide continued advice which may be delivered through visits, seminars, or distributed materials. This ensures the franchise stays aligned with operational standards.
5. Additional Training Programs
   Franchisees may be required to attend further courses or seminars for operations managers and staff. These may involve tuition fees, and franchisees are responsible for associated costs such as salaries, travel, and accommodations.

Territory Protection

Layne’s Chicken Fingers grants franchisees a limited “Protected Area” where it will not open or license another restaurant. However, this protection excludes Captive Markets and does not prevent the franchisor from selling products through other channels within that area.

The territory is not exclusive overall. Franchisees may still face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or alternative distribution methods under the same brand.