I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, our esteemed hospitality expert, who brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive background in travel, tourism, entertainment, and events. With her keen insights into industry trends and growth strategies, Katarina is the perfect person to dive into the exciting story of Layne’s Chicken Fingers, recently recognized on Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2025 100 Under 100 list. In this conversation, we’ll explore what this recognition means for the brand, the secrets behind their explosive growth, their approach to franchisee support, and their ambitious plans for expansion into new markets across the country.
Can you share what it means for a brand like Layne’s Chicken Fingers to be featured on Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2025 100 Under 100 list?
Absolutely, William. Being on this list is a huge milestone for Layne’s. It’s a recognition of their remarkable growth in a competitive industry, specifically highlighting their unit-count increase between 2023 and 2024. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s a testament to their ability to scale while maintaining a strong brand identity. I’m sure the team was over the moon when they got the news. What likely set them apart is their focus on consistency, quality, and building a system that supports rapid expansion without losing sight of their roots.
What do you think has been the key factor fueling Layne’s rapid growth over the past couple of years?
I’d say it’s a combination of strategic planning and a laser focus on their niche—chicken fingers done exceptionally well. Their growth stats are staggering, as the report noted, and that’s likely driven by a clear brand vision and a product that resonates with a wide audience. They’ve made smart decisions about where and how to expand, ensuring they’re hitting markets hungry for their offering. Balancing this kind of speed with quality is tough, but Layne’s seems to prioritize operational systems that keep standards high across every location.
How does a brand like Layne’s ensure strong support for its franchisees during such a fast-paced expansion?
Franchisee support is critical, especially with double-digit growth. From what I’ve seen with brands like Layne’s, they likely invest heavily in training programs, ongoing communication, and providing resources like marketing tools or operational guides. It’s about creating a partnership, not just a business transaction. As the brand scales, maintaining open lines of communication—whether through regular check-ins or digital platforms—helps franchisees feel valued and equipped to succeed, no matter how large the network grows.
Layne’s recently celebrated reaching 30 restaurants and even opened two locations in different states on the same day. Can you walk us through the kind of planning that goes into a milestone like that?
That’s an impressive feat! Coordinating dual openings requires meticulous logistics—think synchronized supply chains, staffing, and marketing campaigns. Challenges often include timing issues or unexpected delays in one location that could ripple to the other. Layne’s likely had a dedicated team mapping out every detail, from permits to grand opening events. Choosing new states or markets probably involves deep research into demographics, competition, and customer demand to ensure they’re planting roots in places where their brand will thrive.
With agreements for over 60 more restaurants signed this year and 11 new openings already, what do you envision for Layne’s future based on this trajectory?
Layne’s is clearly on a path to becoming a household name in the fast-casual space. If they keep up this pace, we could see them doubling or even tripling their footprint in the next few years. Their vision likely includes specific targets for location counts, but more importantly, it’s about sustainable growth. They’ll need to focus on streamlining operations and avoiding burnout in their teams or systems. Maintaining that momentum means staying innovative while sticking to what made them successful in the first place—their iconic chicken fingers and customer experience.
What do you think helps Layne’s stand out as they expand into markets beyond their Texas roots?
Layne’s has a strong foundation in Texas, where they’ve built a loyal following with their small-town charm and signature menu. Outside of Texas, their success likely comes from sticking to that authentic identity while being flexible enough to adapt to local tastes. They might tweak marketing or menu pairings based on regional preferences, but the core product remains consistent. Some markets probably surprise them with how quickly they’ve embraced the brand—often it’s areas craving something fresh and nostalgic in the fast-casual space.
As Layne’s targets new states like Minnesota, Virginia, Ohio, and Wisconsin, what challenges might they face in these diverse regions?
Expanding into such varied markets brings a mix of challenges. Weather, for instance, can impact operations—think harsh winters in Minnesota versus milder climates in Virginia. Then there’s the cultural piece; customer expectations and dining habits differ widely. Layne’s will need to tailor their approach, perhaps adjusting store designs or promotional strategies to fit local vibes. Competition is another factor—some of these states have entrenched local favorites, so standing out will require sharp branding and community engagement.
What is your forecast for the future of fast-casual brands like Layne’s in the coming years?
I’m optimistic about the fast-casual sector, especially for brands like Layne’s that have a clear niche and proven growth model. Over the next few years, I expect we’ll see even more emphasis on technology—think app-based ordering and delivery partnerships—as well as a push for sustainability in sourcing and packaging. Layne’s could lead the way if they keep innovating while staying true to their core. The challenge will be navigating economic shifts and consumer trends, but with their current trajectory, I believe they’re well-positioned to become a dominant player in the space.
