Gen Z have embraced a greener choice in their dining habits, especially in the QSR sector, with specific brands gaining a strong response.
As a new generation of entrepreneurs looks beyond traditional corporate paths, millennials and Gen Z are turning to franchising as a pathway to business ownership, community engagement, and long-term financial growth. Brands like Chicken Salad Chick are seeing this shift firsthand, with younger franchisees playing an increasingly prominent role in the fast-casual restaurant's continued expansion.
"Younger entrepreneurs are approaching franchising differently than previous generations," said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick.
"They want the independence of owning a business, but they also want a proven model and a brand they genuinely believe in. That's one of the reasons we're seeing strong interest from millennials and Gen Z in concepts like Chicken Salad Chick that combine strong performance with authentic brand culture."
Many younger operators are choosing franchise opportunities with established brand recognition and scalable growth potential. At Chicken Salad Chick, franchisees receive guidance with site selection, restaurant build-out, marketing, and day-to-day operations, while also benefiting from a collaborative network of fellow owners.
Devon Chamberlin, a millennial owner of Chicken Salad Chick in Northern Virginia, entered franchising for the desire to expand her impact beyond her career in the mental health field, owning a business rooted in connection and community. Chamberlin believes generational perspective can be an advantage in areas like technology, team leadership, and marketing.
"Growing up in a digital-first environment makes it natural to leverage social media, online engagement, and local digital marketing to connect with guests," said Chamberlin.
"Many of our team members are from my generation, so I understand what motivates them, things like flexibility, recognition and opportunities for growth. Creating a positive, collaborative workplace culture has been key to building a strong team."
A recent study shows that millennials and Gen Z are prioritising a balance of money, meaning, and well-being in their career decisions, values that align closely with the structure and support of franchised business ownership. Franchising continues to emerge as an appealing option that provides entrepreneurial freedom while still benefiting from an established operational playbook.
The brand's structured franchise system has also played a key role in helping newer owners succeed. Chamberlin credits the support from both the corporate team and the greater franchisee community for providing mentorship and operational guidance, allowing her to focus on execution and team development.
With continued interest from emerging entrepreneurs, Chicken Salad Chick expects younger franchisees to remain a key part of its growth strategy in the years ahead.
Chicken Salad Chick has a proven track record in both emerging and established markets, creating an attractive opportunity for experienced multi-unit operators. A strong corporate strategy combined with a loyal customer base allows franchisees to focus on building passionate community connections, delivering consistent guest experiences, and fostering a positive environment.
In 2025, Chicken Salad Chick celebrated a record year, awarding nearly 100 new franchise restaurant deals and opening 42 locations across 13 states, solidifying its position as a leader in the fast-casual segment. The brand's commitment to quality, community engagement, and operational support has helped fuel its momentum, with over 300 locations in its development pipeline.
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