Franchising

Layne's Chicken Fingers to expand with 10 Arkansas locations

Photo: Layne's Chicken Fingers

May 13, 2024

Layne's Chicken Fingers, the Texas-based chicken franchise known for its crispy chicken fingers and unique sauces, will bring 10 new restaurants to Arkansas over the next five years, according to a press release.

The first location is slated to open by the end of 2024 in the Hurricane Creek Village shopping center at I-30 and Alcoa Rd in Benton. This marks the brand's initial entry into the Arkansas market.

Franchisee Jake Willett, a former Denver businessman, signed a multi-unit deal with Layne's after selling his successful landscaping company. He plans to develop at least 10 Layne's restaurants across the state.

Layne's menu features classic fried chicken dishes with a twist, including a three-finger chicken sandwich on Texas toast and a fried chicken club with bacon and cheese. Their signature chicken fingers come with a variety of sauces, including buttermilk ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, and Layne's sauce, a tangy, zesty creation popular with loyal customers.

"We're happy to welcome Jake to the system," Samir Wattar, chief operating officer, said in the press release. "We know he will bring the same value to Layne's as he did with his landscaping business. This multi-unit deal will introduce Layne's to the state of Arkansas and we're optimistic about the success."

This expansion is part of Layne's rapid growth since launching its franchise program in 2021. The brand has already awarded 226 franchises and aims to have 50 units open and 200 sold by 2025.

As it continues to grow, Layne's is looking to sell out its home state of Texas and begin planting flags in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Florida.