Vinings at Overlook new destination for fast-growing fast casual
Chicken Salad Chick plans to relocate to a new headquarters in Atlanta. The move from its existing HQ in Auburn will occur during the winter months. Atlanta is the home of Inspire Restaurant Brands, the parent of Dunkin’, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In and several other concepts, as well as the new HQ for Papa John’s as of summer of 2021.
According to a survey by Frandata cited by Chicken Salad Chick’s announcement, Atlanta is the base of more food franchises than any other city.
Chicken Salad Chick HQ at Overlook
The Vinings at the Overlook will be the new office for up to 40 team members. Seventeen existing, Auburn-based employees will move to the new Atlanta headquarters. About 20 new staff will be hired from the local area.
“This relocation positions Chicken Salad Chick to scale at an accelerated rate and meet aggressive growth goals, while allowing us to broaden our vision for the future,” said Scott Deviney, Chicken Salad Chick president and chief executive. “We’ve seen increased interest from Atlanta’s diverse and talented workforce, and the city’s airport allows us swift access to prospective vendors and a growing pool of interested franchisees.”
Hiring in Atlanta, from Atlanta
The fast-casual chicken-salad chain already hired 12 local staff from Atlanta. Chicken Salad Chick recently welcomed to its executive leadership team these Atlanta-based executives: Jim Thompson as chief operating officer, Terry McKee as chief development officer and Tom Carr as chief marketing officer.
“Moving the headquarters to Atlanta will support the company in achieving long-term growth as we work toward making Chicken Salad Chick better for the future while still allowing our local restaurant teams to provide the same welcoming experience our guests have come to know and love,” said Stacy Brown, founder and franchise owner.
Recent promotions include staff who hail from Atlanta:
- Marianna Magee, Marketing director
- Jon Musser, director of Supply Chain
- Mary Lou Atkins, VP of Human Resources
- Kim Bolinger, director of Operations for the Atlanta market
The expansion in Atlanta has led to 12 stores in the Metro area, and there are 32 total Chicken Salad Chick locations currently in the state of Georgia.
Chicken Salad Chick opened 37 new US stores in 2020 and 26 since June, on top of 44 restaurants opened in 2019. This year, the chain plans 40 more openings, with a goal of expanding to a total of four more states within the next two years and projects a portfolio of 500 locations by the end of 2025.
Brentwood Associates acquired the chain in 2019 after Eagle Merchant Partners decided to exit its four-year old investment in the concept.
Photo credit: Chicken Salad Chick (featured preview image)
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