Chicken Salad Chick plans to expand into Albany, upper Hudson Valley

Popular Southern fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick plans to expand into New York, including in Albany and the upper Hudson Valley. The company announced in late April what it called the largest development deal in its history, a 25-unit franchise agreement in New York that will introduce its restaurants to "high-growth markets," including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, according to a news release. "At this time, Chicken Salad Chick has not announced a timeline for specific openings within the Albany or upper Hudson Valley markets, and site selection is still underway," a company spokesperson wrote in a statement on Thursday. "The franchise owners are still currently evaluating opportunities within their designated development territory." The spokesperson added, "The 25-unit development agreement encompasses a broader territory across New York, and no additional Capital Region or Hudson Valley locations beyond Albany and the upper Hudson Valley have been publicly announced at this time." The Albany Business Review reported on the company's plans earlier this week. According to its website, there are more than 330 Chicken Salad Chick restaurants across 22 states. The company has targeted the Northeast for franchise development "due to its dense population, established communities and demand for high-quality, fast-casual dining concepts." "New York represents a tremendous growth opportunity, and we're excited to partner with a seasoned owner to introduce our brand to guests across the state," Mark Verges, vice president of franchise development for Chicken Salad Chick, said in a statement. The restaurant chain serves a dozen varieties of house-made chicken salad as well as soups, macaroni and cheese, desserts and sides, including pasta salad, broccoli salad and fresh fruit, according to its menu. Founders Stacy and Kevin Brown started Chicken Salad Chick in 2008 in Auburn, Ala., when they turned their love for chicken salad into a business, according to its website.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 8:43 PM.