• by Teresa Buyikian , July 27, 2023

Fast-casual chicken salad restaurant Chicken Salad Chick has expanded its footprint in Indiana with a new location in Avon, marking the 11th location in Indiana and adding to the chain’s more than 230 locations in 17 states across the Southern U.S.

To celebrate the expansion on Aug. 2, the first 100 customers will receive free chicken salad for a year. Additional promotions include giveaways for a Chick Tote Bag, a 16 oz Chick Tervis Tumbler and a Chick cooler.

“As Chicken Salad Chick continues to expand in the region, the Avon location illustrates that our commitment to the Indianapolis community extends across the entire metro area," said Chicken Salad Chick CEO Scott Deviney.

The Southern chicken salad chain offers over a dozen specialty chicken salad recipes, all named after the real-life friends who inspired founder Stacy Brown to start the chain in 2008. These include spicy flavors such as Buffalo Barclay Jalapeño, savory salads like Lauryn’s Lemon Basil, and fruity variations such as Cranberry Kelli. Other menu items include salads, sides, soups and full-service catering.

Proceeds from the opening events will benefit the Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry, which serves all Avon Community School Corporation employees and families that have a child in the Avon Community School Corporation.

In 2022, Chicken Salad Chick surpassed $306.8 million in systemwide sales, 20% more than 2021. Systemwide sales growth has increased 46% since 2020. The average unit volume also reached more than $1.29 million in 2022.

The chain was founded by then-stay-at-home mom Stacey Brown, who teamed up with her software sales husband Kevin. After Kevin Brown lost his battle with cancer, the chain created the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation, which through fundraisers such as its annual Teeing Off On Cancer Golf Classic, makes regular donations to local cancer centers as well as the American Cancer Society.

The chicken chain also created an annual fundraiser for the foundation in the form of a customer loyalty program, The Giving Card, which helps feed the hungry and supports children with cancer through customers’ donation of $5 for the card. In exchange for the donation, customers receive one special reward per month through the Chicken Salad Chick Craving Credits app, valued at $60 in food offers.