Chicken Salad Chick Inks First Franchise Agreement in Colorado

After hitting a brand milestone, opening its 200th location and announcing western regional expansion, this newly signed agreement will take the brand into its 18th state and propel Chicken Salad Chick’s development into new regions and communities across the country.

Behind the multi-unit agreement are long-time Colorado residents, David and Jessica Zumbrun. David and Jessica currently live in Greeley, Colorado and had their first Chicken Salad Chick experience while on a vacation to Auburn, Alabama - the brand’s flagship location. Collectively, the Zumbrun's bring over 20 years of corporate, hospitality and restaurant experience to their new partnership with Chicken Salad Chick, in addition to having past restaurant franchise ownership experience.

“As Colorado residents, we can confidently say that Chicken Salad Chick is a natural fit for the state,” said Jessica Zumbrun. “For us, this deal means more than just owning a restaurant – it’s about leaving an impact on our community and those around us to enrich the lives of those we will be serving. This is something that is also evident with the Chicken Salad Chick brand and story, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this great product and unique concept to our community.”

The development agreement is for five locations across Northern Colorado, which includes Fort Collins, Longmont, Loveland, Johnstown, Windsor, and the Zumbrun’s home market, Greeley. The Zumbruns plan to open the first of the five locations by the end of this year, with the second to follow in 2023.

“It’s exciting to see Chicken Salad Chick’s westward expansion in action,” said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. “The Zumbruns approached us in 2019, and have since been dedicated to securing their spot in our family of franchise owners. Together, they will help us further propel the brand into the West, and their enthusiasm toward bringing the Chicken Salad Chick brand to communities in Colorado is exactly what aligns them with our values and culture as a franchise organization. We look forward to building a loyal guest base in communities across Colorado.”

Chicken Salad Chick continues to be recognized as a standout franchise system, being named one of QSR magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for the second consecutive year, as well as being named #3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers in 2021 and #7 in the trade’s Top 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises ranking for 2022, respectively. The brand was also highlighted as one of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Food Franchises of 2021 and has been listed in Franchise Times’ Top 400 Ranking for 2021.