Layne’s Chicken Fingers Named a Rising Restaurant Chain for 2026

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous™ Texas-based chicken finger franchise, has been growing steadily for several years, but a new feature from The Daily Meal shows just how far the brand has come. The publication’s list of 10 Rising Restaurant Chains That Will Take Over in 2026 puts Layne’s alongside some of the most talked-about names in fast casual, pointing to the chain’s sharp rise in both visibility and store count.

Founded in College Station in 1994, Layne’s spent decades as a Texas favorite before launching its franchise program in 2021. That decision changed the brand’s trajectory. By mid-2025, Layne’s had reached 30 operating locations — an increase of more than 50% — and the pace has only accelerated since. According to The Daily Meal, Layne’s is on track to surpass 80 units by the end of 2026, fueled by a wave of new franchise agreements.

Much of that momentum comes from development commitments made in 2025. The brand signed five new franchise deals in Q3 alone, opening the door to expansion in Oregon, deeper growth in Wisconsin and a major 52-unit buildout across West Texas. These agreements reflect growing demand from experienced operators looking for a scalable model, clean operations and a recognizable customer favorite in a crowded chicken category.

The article also pointed to Layne’s staying power. While many chains rise quickly and fade, Layne’s has taken the long view — refining its menu, service and systems for nearly three decades before scaling nationally. That consistency, combined with a focused menu and an authentic Texas-born identity, gives the brand strong footing as it enters new markets.