The global landscape of fast-food chicken restaurants is rapidly evolving and pulsating with energy. Major players such as Zaxby’s, Church’s Texas Chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken, El Pollo Loco and Bojangles are all vying for a larger slice of the market. These chains show no signs of slowing down with their notable strides in growth, novel tech implementations, and culinary creativity, ensuring they stay top-of-mind for chicken lovers.
Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is making waves with its new menu and structural innovations. The chain recently debuted its Chicken Finger Tacos, available in two variations: Chipotle Ranch with Pico and Avocado Ranch BLT — both set to elevate its classic meal offerings.
Zaxby’s opened its first drive-thru only restaurant in Laurel, Miss., indicating a strategic pivot towards streamlined services for faster customer turnaround. There are 972 Zaxby’s locations across 19 states.
The Atlanta-based chain is also teaming up with YouTube creator MrBeast for a special ultimate meal box. The MrBeast Box comes in two collectible boxes, co-designed with MrBeast, and includes Zaxby’s 4 Chicken Fingerz, crinkle fries, Cheddar Bites, two slices of Texas Toast, two signature sauces and MrBeast’s new Feastables Milk Chocolate Bar for $12.99. While the MrBeast Box is available for a limited time only, other collaborations will include video integration and social media.
Church’s Texas Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken experienced a stellar year of growth in 2023, surpassing $1M in average unit volume. There are 783 locations in 26 states, with 41% of the restaurants in Texas.
Notably, the brand also rolled out its first-ever signature hot sauce, developed in collaboration with pepper growers featured on Hulu’s “Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Launched in 2017 as a pop-up in East Hollywood, Calif., Dave’s Hot Chicken has grown to become America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain, according to industry research firm Technomic. The brand has enjoyed a remarkable rise following a surge in popularity and substantial investment from notable figures like singer Drake.
Dave’s Hot Chicken boasts plans for further expansion by opening 700 locations. The openings span diverse regions, including new restaurants in Minnesota set for this summer in Apple Valley and Coon Rapids, along with plans to expand into Rochester and St. Cloud.
This rapid growth is propelled by the brand’s popular offerings and strong social media presence, amassing over 200 million organic views on TikTok.
The menu at Dave’s Hot Chicken remains consistent with its well-loved simplicity. Patrons can indulge in jumbo Hot Chicken Tenders and sliders available in seven spice levels — from No Spice to Reaper, the latter requiring a signed waiver. Alongside these main items, customers can enjoy house-made Kale Slaw, creamy mac n’ cheese and crispy seasoned french fries.
El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco, a brand synonymous with fire-grilled chicken, continues to expand its reach and refine its menu like the return of its Stuffed Quesadillas.
El Pollo Loco saw a promising start to 2024, with its total revenue reaching $116.2M, boasting a 5.1% increase in system-wide comparable restaurant sales. The company plans to open two new company-owned restaurants and five to seven new franchised locations within the year.
“With our unique positioning at the intersection of the chicken and Mexican categories, I believe that we can take El Pollo Loco to another level,” said Liz Williams, CEO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. “To that end, I have focused our organization around five strategic pillars: Brand that Wins, Hospitality Mindset, Digital First, Winning Unit Economics and New Unit Growth, all of which are designed with one goal in mind — to get the right building blocks in place for future success.”
Bojangles
Bojangles, famous for its chicken, biscuits and tea, has plans to venture beyond its traditional Southeast stronghold. In 2023, Bojangles opened 40 new restaurants, with 10 in new markets.
Bojangles has made significant gains with new outlets in markets such as Dallas, Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando, Fla., and the brand is also committing to substantial expansions in new territories. For instance, a recent agreement will see 30 new locations introduced in Los Angeles County by early 2025.
Bojangles’ boneless chicken menu makeover includes breakfast mainstays like Bo’s Chicken Biscuit and lunch and dinner staples such as Bo’s Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Tenders, all of which will capture the bold Southern flavors the brand is known for.
The fast-food chicken industry is flying high with impressive advancements and strategic growth. From new flavor launches and limited-time collaborations to technological enhancements in kitchen operations, these chains are ruling the roost by improving customer experience and operational efficiency. As they continue to push boundaries, the industry remains as dynamic and competitive as ever, promising exciting developments for chicken enthusiasts everywhere.
