Chicken Salad Chick Welcomes Brian Lindley as CDO

Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual chicken salad restaurant franchise, has named Brian Lindley chief development officer. Lindley leverages his background in real estate and restaurant franchising to strengthen the brand’s franchise pipeline and enhance its development processes.

“What attracted me to Chicken Salad Chick was its unique positioning in the marketplace, with no direct competition, strong growth and franchisees who meaningfully contribute to their communities,” he said. “The food is amazing, and I have a deep passion for both food and the restaurant business. The opportunity to scale the brand and bring our unique experience and food to places that have never experienced it excites me.”

Lindley’s appointment comes as the brand continues to invest in its leadership team while focusing on intentional growth. Chicken Salad Chick has 330-plus open restaurants across 22 states and plans to enter Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah and West Virginia this year.

“By staying true to who we are and our core principles, while balancing growth with both pace and discipline, we can stay ahead of the curve,” he said.

Lindley’s work experience includes serving in leadership positions at Chick-fil-A, BP and Restaurant Brands International, where he developed expertise in key areas of franchise growth, including site selection, deal making and brand scaling. In his new role, Lindley fosters Chicken Salad Chick’s growth by optimizing restaurant formats to reduce space requirements, improve efficiency and lower occupancy costs for franchise owners.

Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick, praised Lindley’s franchise development and real estate experience, and relationship-based approach. “As we expand into new states and continue growing our footprint nationwide, Brian’s strategic mindset and disciplined approach to development will be instrumental in ensuring we grow with the right partners, in the right locations,” Deviney said.

Lindley is based in Atlanta and relishes the time he spends with his wife and two daughters. One of his daughters is a nurse at a children’s hospital, and the other is a graduate of Auburn University.

Founded by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008 in Auburn, Ala., Chicken Salad Chick specializes in full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch. The brand has more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors, as well as fresh sides, soups, sandwiches, desserts and catering.