Fried chicken lovers, rejoice! With exciting expansions on the horizon, your favorite chains are about to pop up all over the country in 2025.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken's Ambitious Growth Plans
Krispy Krunchy Chicken is on the move! After opening 605 new locations in 2024, this Louisiana-based chain aims to launch an impressive 600 new locations in 2025. The growth strategy includes partnering with Walmart to set up shop inside their stores, along with plans for enhanced availability on popular delivery apps. With around 3,200 existing stores—500 expressing interest in delivery options—Krispy Krunchy is poised to make its presence known across new states, offering their crowd-pleasing fried chicken tenders and mouth-watering Cajun menu items.
Pollo Campero: Unique Menu and Growing Footprint
Revered for its unique menu that features delicious sweet plantains and yucca fries, Pollo Campero has a growth vision that's just as flavorful. The chain plans to reach 250 locations in the U.S. by 2028, showcasing its slow and steady expansion strategy. Currently, it operates over 400 locations worldwide, emphasizing a strong supply chain to support its new U.S. locations. With a focus on attracting new customers, Pollo Campero’s commitment to creating jobs and enhancing its offerings bodes well for its future in the competitive fried chicken market.
Dave's Hot Chicken: A Mark of Excellence in Expansion
Dave's Hot Chicken is a story of success that keeps inspiring. After seeing a phenomenal 156% sales increase, the chain is eagerly moving into the U.K. for its 2025 expansion. Valued at $1 billion after being bought by Roark Capital, Dave's is more than just a success story; it’s a model for growth. Following its humble beginnings as a small stand in Hollywood, Dave's currently boasts 169 locations with promising plans for further international growth. Expect to see this brand stepping up its game even more in the coming years, solidifying its place in the industry.
Big Chicken: A Flavorful Partnership with a Twist
At only seven years old, Big Chicken has made great strides, thanks to its celebrity backing from basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal. With nearly 50 locations by the end of 2024, this fun, sports-themed chain has expansion objectives set at 272 locations by 2029. You can expect Big Chicken to add a new flavor to the dining scene, hitting college towns with locations that are not just food outlets but meaningful experiences for students. The chain’s current plans also include international forays into Canada and Honduras, making it a fast-up-and-coming player on the fried chicken landscape.
Golden Chick: Bringing Back Old Favorites
Golden Chick's expansion plans reveal a strategy built around nostalgia and connection. Aiming to return the Loaded Mashed Potato Golden Bowl to its menu while growing its footprint, this Texas-born chain has seen considerable enthusiasm. Locations will open in cities where they already have a strong fan base, continuing the concentric growth strategy that encourages customer loyalty and brand familiarity.
Super Chix: Choosing Quality Over Quantity
Known for its delicious fried chicken and refreshing frozen custard, Super Chix is expanding with caution and precision. By January 2025, they had 35 locations and are targeting 50 locations by year’s end, specifically in high-income suburban areas. Their hands-on approach to choosing ideal locations means that each new restaurant is strategically relevant, making this brand stand out in a congested market.
Bonchon: Korean Fried Chicken Taking the Lead
The popularity of Bonchon’s Korean fried chicken is growing exponentially, with ambitions to reach 500 U.S. locations within five years and an additional 1,000 worldwide. Unique offerings like kimchi and fried dumplings set Bonchon apart, attracting a broad audience eager for a different kind of fried chicken experience. States targeted for new locations include California, Florida, and New Jersey, among others.
Zaxby’s: Stretching Beyond the South
While originating in Georgia, Zaxby’s is pushing forward into new territories in 2025 by launching its first locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. The brand, which has seen steady expansion with recent openings in Virginia and South Carolina, continues to prove its reliability among the top fried chicken franchises in America with their signature Zax Sauce—a must-try for fans tuning in to their growth.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Gradual Yet Steady Expansion
Celebrated for its irresistible Nashville hot chicken, Hattie B’s is making careful plans to step deeper into new markets. Despite having only 12 locations, the chain has risen in prominence, with new openings planned in Austin and a Chicago location set for 2025. Their sales growth showcases a healthy appetite among chicken lovers, proving that patience and quality pay off in the world of business.
Slim Chickens: A Major Player in the Making
With over 250 locations and a staggering 1,150 more in the works, Slim Chickens stands as a formidable player in the restaurant scene. Recognized for their hand-breaded chicken tenders, this chain is experiencing rapid growth both domestically and internationally. Exciting opportunities include expansions into the U.K., Poland, and Turkey, ensuring that their delicious offerings reach an even broader audience in 2025.
Bojangles: Riding the Wave of Southern Charm
Bojangles is poised for notable 2025 growth, including expansions into California and Las Vegas as the Southern flavor feels more national! With 800+ locations and a robust franchising plan, this chain shows no signs of slowing down. With existing franchises focusing on maintaining quality and upgrading their menu, it's a tasty projection for the dedicated customer base.
Jollibee: The Filipino Favorite Gaining Ground
Famous for its secret chicken marinade, Jollibee is on the brink of significantly expanding its presence in the U.S., with 800 new locations expected over the next few years. The chain’s fresh take on fried chicken, paired with its signature gravy, has captivated the hearts of many. With a rigorous franchise program in motion, Jollibee is determined to grow sustainably and make a big splash in the American market.
Raising Cane's: The Trendsetter
With an exciting trajectory being one of the fastest-growing chains in America, Raising Cane's surpassed 900 locations as of March 2025. Boasting innovative measures to ensure employee satisfaction and increase community engagement, this chain anticipates further growth, projecting to reach 1,600 restaurants as they hone in on providing exceptional chicken experiences.
These fried chicken chains are scrambling to establish new locations across the U.S., and with each expansion, they bring unique flavors and exciting dining experiences. Whether you're loyal to one brand or eager to try them all, 2025 looks set to spice up the fried chicken scene in your neighborhood.