The rooster franchise scene is scorching — iconic legacy manufacturers like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop proceed dominating with confirmed methods and widespread recognition, whereas quick‑informal newcomers are carving out their area of interest with daring flavors and fashionable ideas. Mixed, these prime contenders supply entrepreneurs a strong combine of name power, operational assist, and excessive shopper demand, making chicken-centric franchising one of many hottest progress sectors in meals service right this moment.
The manufacturers on this listing earned their spot on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, our annual rating of the strongest franchise methods, primarily based on components like unit progress, model stability and monetary efficiency. Whether or not you are searching for a globally acknowledged title or a rising idea with momentum, these rooster franchises symbolize a number of the finest alternatives within the trade proper now.
Associated: Contemplating franchise possession? Get began now to seek out your personalised listing of franchises that match your way of life, pursuits and price range.
1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Based: 1972
- Franchising since: 1976
- General rank: 4
- Variety of models: 4,796
- Change in models: +34.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $471,000 – $3,875,700
- Management: Jeff Klein, President
- Father or mother firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, ranked #4 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, boasts practically 4,800 models within the U.S. and 35+ international locations — up 34% in three years — backed by robust model assist, entrepreneurial steering, and sturdy coaching applications. In a savvy progress transfer, Popeyes has expanded into airports and faculty campuses to construct model affinity in excessive‑site visitors areas, complementing its viral rooster sandwich and new wings lineup
Associated: What Popeyes’ Viral Menu Technique Can Educate You About Staying Related
2. Wingstop
- Based: 1994
- Franchising since: 1998
- General rank: 11
- Variety of models: 2,352
- Change in models: +44.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $259,400 – $912,100
- Management: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
- Father or mother firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc.
Wingstop has soared to greater than 2,350 places worldwide, fueled by its well-known wings, streamlined operations and daring digital technique. With a low-labor mannequin and robust unit economics, the model has grown practically 45% previously three years. Ranked #11 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Wingstop helps franchisees with complete coaching and expansive territory rights. It is a favourite amongst multi-unit operators due to its scalable setup and give attention to taste innovation.
Associated: This Progressive Transfer Retains Wingstop Flying Excessive
3. KFC
- Based: 1930
- Franchising since: 1952
- General rank: 21
- Variety of models: 30,680
- Change in models: +19.5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,852,825 – $3,771,550
- Management: Tarun Lal, President
- Father or mother firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
KFC stays probably the most iconic names in quick meals, with an enormous international presence and a menu constructed round its signature unique recipe. Backed by many years of name recognition, franchisees achieve entry to sturdy coaching, proprietary methods and ongoing discipline assist. Whereas the funding is important, the model provides unmatched scale and endurance. For entrepreneurs in search of a legacy title with international attain, KFC, #21 on the 2025 Francise 500, continues to be a prime contender.
Associated: KFC Is Transferring Its Company Headquarters Out of Kentucky. Here is What We Know.
4. Slim Chickens
- Based: 2003
- Franchising since: 2011
- General rank: 81
- Variety of models: 251
- Change in models: +109.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,522,900 – $4,439,000
- Management: Sam Rothschild, COO & Associate
- Father or mother firm: Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens brings Southern consolation meals to the fast-casual area, serving recent, hand-breaded tenders, wings, and rooster & waffles alongside signature dipping sauces and indulgent jar desserts. Since launching its franchise program in 2011, the model has grown to over 250 places with robust momentum in each the U.S. and worldwide markets. Backed by sturdy coaching, advertising and marketing assist and a hospitality-driven tradition, Slim Chickens appeals to franchisees searching for a contemporary, scalable idea with loyal followers — recognized affectionately as “Slimthusiasts.”
Associated: She Was a Lawyer with No Restaurant Expertise. Now, She’s Reviving an Iconic Restaurant Chain.
5. Golden Chick
- Based: 1967
- Franchising since: 1972
- General rank: 92
- Variety of models: 231
- Change in models: +12.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $810,250 – $1,852,800
- Management: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
- Father or mother firm: Golden Franchising Corp.
Golden Chick is a seasoned Southern-style rooster franchise with roots courting again to 1967. Identified for its signature hand-breaded Golden Tenders, the model has constructed a loyal following throughout the South and Midwest. With greater than 230 places and counting, Golden Chick provides franchisees robust operational assist, complete coaching and advertising and marketing steering. It is a strong possibility for each first-time house owners and skilled operators searching for a reliable, scalable enterprise with regional appeal.
Associated: I Walked Away From a Company Profession to Begin My Personal Small Enterprise — Here is Why You Ought to Do the Identical
6. Zaxby’s
- Based: 1990
- Franchising since: 1994
- General rank: 109
- Variety of models: 960
- Change in models: +5.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,406,700 – $3,323,200
- Management: Mike Mettler, CDO
- Father or mother firm: Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor LLC
Zaxby’s stands out within the fast-casual rooster area with its crave-worthy rooster fingers, wings, hearty sandwiches, and signature “Zalads,” all paired with daring dipping sauces. With practically 1,000 places — predominantly within the Southern U.S. — Zaxby’s ranked #109 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees obtain robust assist, from web site choice and coaching to advertising and marketing and proprietary tech. Identified for its hospitality and group focus, it is a strong alternative for operators eyeing recent fast-casual progress.
Associated: This One Management Transfer Will Remodel Your Workforce’s Loyalty and Efficiency
7. Bojangles
- Based: 1977
- Franchising since: 1978
- General rank: 145
- Variety of models: 813
- Change in models: +4.9% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $720,220 – $3,779,700
- Management: Jose Armario, CEO
- Father or mother firm: The Jordan Firm & Durational Capital Administration LP
Bojangles makes a speciality of Cajun-seasoned fried rooster and buttermilk biscuits, constructing a loyal following since its 1977 debut in Charlotte. The model ranks #145 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and has expanded to greater than 800 places with regular multi-year progress. Franchisees profit from complete assist—together with web site choice, in-depth coaching, advertising and marketing help, and proprietary instruments — together with robust group branding rooted in Southern hospitality, making it a standout alternative within the fast-food rooster class.
Associated: Her Postpartum-Impressed Facet Hustle Hit $30,000 Income in 2 Months — Now It is Making About $500,000 a Yr: ‘I Really Love All the pieces About It’
8. Chester’s
- Based: 1952
- Franchising since: 2004
- General rank: 237
- Variety of models: 1,062
- Change in models: -16% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $27,500 – $296,500
- Management: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
- Father or mother firm: N/A
Chester’s brings recent, never-frozen, double-breaded fried rooster to comfort shops, supermarkets, and journey stops throughout the U.S., utilizing a secret household recipe that is constructed a loyal following. With over 1,000 places, the model has grow to be a staple in high-traffic, nontraditional venues. Ranked #237 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Chester’s provides streamlined startup prices, robust coaching, advertising and marketing assist and a recognizable “Fried With Love” identification — excellent for operators in search of a easy, scalable rooster idea.
Associated: Promoting as a Founder Is Brutal — It Was Additionally the Motive We Reached $400M in Income
9. Church’s Texas Hen
- Based: 1952
- Franchising since: 1969
- General rank: 402
- Variety of models: 1,532
- Change in models: +5.4% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $648,866 – $1,896,300
- Management: Roland Gonzalez, CEO
- Father or mother firm: Cajun World LLC
Church’s Texas Hen brings daring, bone‑in fried rooster, honey‑butter biscuits, and flavorful sides to excessive‑site visitors places like malls, comfort stops, and drive‑ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to over 1,500 models throughout greater than 20 international locations. Ranked #402 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, the model combines legacy attraction with fashionable progress assist — actual‑property experience, thorough coaching, advertising and marketing instruments and supply-chain backing — providing entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven funding in consolation‑meals franchising.
Associated: Why Hustle Tradition Is the Most Harmful Lie Founders Nonetheless Consider
10. Dave’s Scorching Hen
- Based: 2018
- Franchising since: 2019
- General rank: 453
- Variety of models: 211
- Change in models: +1,072.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $619,800 – $1,963,000
- Management: Invoice Phelps, CEO
- Father or mother firm: Roark Capital
Dave’s Scorching Hen has ignited a foodie frenzy with its Nashville‑type scorching rooster tenders and sliders, provided in seven spice ranges and paired with easy sides like mac-and-cheese. Since franchising started in 2019, it is surged to over 200 U.S. places and climbed into Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, rating #453 — up practically 30 spots — due to explosive unit progress and viral attraction. Backed by celeb traders and now owned by Roark Capital, Dave’s brings daring taste and robust franchise assist to hot-casual rooster fanatics.
Associated: A Scorching Hen Chain Based in 2017 Was Simply Acquired for $1 Billion: ‘One of many Nice Entrepreneurial Journeys of our Time’
