American fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick has unveiled plans for a significant Texas expansion with the signing of four new multi-unit franchise agreements.

The agreements will introduce 21 new restaurants to the state over the five years up to 2028, bolstering the brand's presence in a key market.

The new agreements encompass both new and existing franchisees.

The expansion adds to the brand's current Texas portfolio of 30 operational locations.

It follows a three-store agreement in Midland, Odessa and San Angelo, contributing to a total of 24 new locations in the state.

Troy Morrison and Keaton Craig have signed an 11-unit agreement for Austin. Morrison has also committed to a six-location development in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Jack and Mona Gabriel, who began with Nothing Bundt Cakes, have signed on for five additional units after their initial success with a single Chicken Salad Chick store in Tyler, Texas.

Mark Blessing, a seasoned franchisee with a history in the Great Clips brand, is set to bring three units to central Texas, in Stephenville, Granbury and Abilene.

Following her Amarillo opening, Laura Garrison has signed a two-store agreement for Lubbock with partner Moua Meng.

The first opening of 2024 will take place in New Braunfels on 17 January.

The new location is being led by San Antonio franchisees James Oberg, Jeff Rochelle and George Shaw.

Chicken Salad Chick CEO Scott Deviney stated: “As our brand awareness and guest loyalty continue to increase, we are seeing a demand in franchise opportunities and tremendous growth for the brand throughout the state.”

“This momentum is fuelling our mission to become America's favourite place for chicken salad. We are more than humbled to support our existing and new franchise owners throughout Texas as they continue to thrive and push our purpose of spreading joy, enriching lives and serving others forward to all reaches of the state.”