The rooster franchise scene is scorching — iconic legacy manufacturers like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop proceed dominating with confirmed methods and widespread recognition, whereas quick‑informal newcomers are carving out their area of interest with daring flavors and trendy ideas. Mixed, these prime contenders supply entrepreneurs a strong combine of name power, operational assist, and excessive client demand, making chicken-centric franchising one of many hottest progress sectors in meals service right this moment.
The manufacturers on this listing earned their spot on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, our annual rating of the strongest franchise methods, primarily based on elements like unit progress, model stability and monetary efficiency. Whether or not you are in search of a globally acknowledged title or a rising idea with momentum, these rooster franchises characterize a number of the finest alternatives within the trade proper now.
1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Based: 1972
- Franchising since: 1976
- General rank: 4
- Variety of items: 4,796
- Change in items: +34.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $471,000 – $3,875,700
- Management: Jeff Klein, President
- Mum or dad firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, ranked #4 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, boasts almost 4,800 items within the U.S. and 35+ international locations — up 34% in three years — backed by robust model assist, entrepreneurial steerage, and sturdy coaching packages. In a savvy progress transfer, Popeyes has expanded into airports and school campuses to construct model affinity in excessive‑visitors areas, complementing its viral rooster sandwich and new wings lineup
Associated: What Popeyes’ Viral Menu Technique Can Train You About Staying Related
2. Wingstop
- Based: 1994
- Franchising since: 1998
- General rank: 11
- Variety of items: 2,352
- Change in items: +44.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $259,400 – $912,100
- Management: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc.
Wingstop has soared to greater than 2,350 places worldwide, fueled by its well-known wings, streamlined operations and daring digital technique. With a low-labor mannequin and robust unit economics, the model has grown almost 45% up to now three years. Ranked #11 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Wingstop helps franchisees with complete coaching and expansive territory rights. It is a favourite amongst multi-unit operators because of its scalable setup and give attention to taste innovation.
Associated: This Modern Transfer Retains Wingstop Flying Excessive
3. KFC
- Based: 1930
- Franchising since: 1952
- General rank: 21
- Variety of items: 30,680
- Change in items: +19.5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,852,825 – $3,771,550
- Management: Tarun Lal, President
- Mum or dad firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
KFC stays probably the most iconic names in quick meals, with an enormous international presence and a menu constructed round its signature unique recipe. Backed by many years of name recognition, franchisees acquire entry to sturdy coaching, proprietary methods and ongoing area assist. Whereas the funding is important, the model provides unmatched scale and endurance. For entrepreneurs in search of a legacy title with international attain, KFC, #21 on the 2025 Francise 500, continues to be a prime contender.
Associated: KFC Is Shifting Its Company Headquarters Out of Kentucky. Here is What We Know.
4. Slim Chickens
- Based: 2003
- Franchising since: 2011
- General rank: 81
- Variety of items: 251
- Change in items: +109.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,522,900 – $4,439,000
- Management: Sam Rothschild, COO & Companion
- Mum or dad firm: Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens brings Southern consolation meals to the fast-casual area, serving contemporary, hand-breaded tenders, wings, and rooster & waffles alongside signature dipping sauces and indulgent jar desserts. Since launching its franchise program in 2011, the model has grown to over 250 places with robust momentum in each the U.S. and worldwide markets. Backed by sturdy coaching, advertising assist and a hospitality-driven tradition, Slim Chickens appeals to franchisees in search of a contemporary, scalable idea with loyal followers — recognized affectionately as “Slimthusiasts.“
Associated: She Was a Lawyer with No Restaurant Expertise. Now, She’s Reviving an Iconic Restaurant Chain.
5. Golden Chick
- Based: 1967
- Franchising since: 1972
- General rank: 92
- Variety of items: 231
- Change in items: +12.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $810,250 – $1,852,800
- Management: Mark Parmerlee, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Golden Franchising Corp.
Golden Chick is a seasoned Southern-style rooster franchise with roots courting again to 1967. Identified for its signature hand-breaded Golden Tenders, the model has constructed a loyal following throughout the South and Midwest. With greater than 230 places and counting, Golden Chick provides franchisees robust operational assist, complete coaching and advertising steerage. It is a stable possibility for each first-time homeowners and skilled operators in search of a reliable, scalable enterprise with regional allure.
6. Zaxby’s
- Based: 1990
- Franchising since: 1994
- General rank: 109
- Variety of items: 960
- Change in items: +5.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,406,700 – $3,323,200
- Management: Mike Mettler, CDO
- Mum or dad firm: Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor LLC
Zaxby’s stands out within the fast-casual rooster area with its crave-worthy rooster fingers, wings, hearty sandwiches, and signature “Zalads,” all paired with daring dipping sauces. With almost 1,000 places — predominantly within the Southern U.S. — Zaxby’s ranked #109 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees obtain robust assist, from website choice and coaching to advertising and proprietary tech. Identified for its hospitality and group focus, it is a stable selection for operators eyeing contemporary fast-casual progress.
Associated: This One Management Transfer Will Rework Your Workforce’s Loyalty and Efficiency
7. Bojangles
- Based: 1977
- Franchising since: 1978
- General rank: 145
- Variety of items: 813
- Change in items: +4.9% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $720,220 – $3,779,700
- Management: Jose Armario, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: The Jordan Firm & Durational Capital Administration LP
Bojangles makes a speciality of Cajun-seasoned fried rooster and buttermilk biscuits, constructing a loyal following since its 1977 debut in Charlotte. The model ranks #145 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 and has expanded to greater than 800 places with regular multi-year progress. Franchisees profit from complete assist—together with website choice, in-depth coaching, advertising help, and proprietary instruments — together with robust group branding rooted in Southern hospitality, making it a standout alternative within the fast-food rooster class.
8. Chester’s
- Based: 1952
- Franchising since: 2004
- General rank: 237
- Variety of items: 1,062
- Change in items: -16% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $27,500 – $296,500
- Management: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
- Mum or dad firm: N/A
Chester’s brings contemporary, never-frozen, double-breaded fried rooster to comfort shops, supermarkets, and journey stops throughout the U.S., utilizing a secret household recipe that is constructed a loyal following. With over 1,000 places, the model has develop into a staple in high-traffic, nontraditional venues. Ranked #237 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, Chester’s provides streamlined startup prices, robust coaching, advertising assist and a recognizable “Fried With Love” identification — splendid for operators in search of a easy, scalable rooster idea.
Associated: Promoting as a Founder Is Brutal — It Was Additionally the Purpose We Reached $400M in Income
9. Church’s Texas Rooster
- Based: 1952
- Franchising since: 1969
- General rank: 402
- Variety of items: 1,532
- Change in items: +5.4% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $648,866 – $1,896,300
- Management: Roland Gonzalez, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Cajun World LLC
Church’s Texas Rooster brings daring, bone‑in fried rooster, honey‑butter biscuits, and flavorful sides to excessive‑visitors places like malls, comfort stops, and drive‑ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to over 1,500 items throughout greater than 20 international locations. Ranked #402 on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, the model combines legacy attraction with trendy progress assist — actual‑property experience, thorough coaching, advertising instruments and supply-chain backing — providing entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven funding in consolation‑meals franchising.
Associated: Why Hustle Tradition Is the Most Harmful Lie Founders Nonetheless Consider
10. Dave’s Scorching Rooster
- Based: 2018
- Franchising since: 2019
- General rank: 453
- Variety of items: 211
- Change in items: +1,072.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $619,800 – $1,963,000
- Management: Invoice Phelps, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Roark Capital
Dave’s Scorching Rooster has ignited a foodie frenzy with its Nashville‑fashion sizzling rooster tenders and sliders, supplied in seven spice ranges and paired with easy sides like mac-and-cheese. Since franchising started in 2019, it is surged to over 200 U.S. places and climbed into Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, rating #453 — up almost 30 spots — because of explosive unit progress and viral attraction. Backed by superstar buyers and now owned by Roark Capital, Dave’s brings daring taste and robust franchise assist to hot-casual rooster fans.
