UPDATE: Layne’s Chicken has just announced an ambitious plan to open 44 new restaurants across West Texas beginning in 2026. This major expansion comes after recent negotiations with Lubbock’s C5 Restaurants, known for its success with multiple franchises.
The first two locations are set to launch in San Antonio and Lubbock, with the initial spot at 7902 University Ave. tentatively scheduled for a March 2026 opening. A second site at 2227 19th St. will follow later that year. Layne’s Chicken, celebrated for its signature chicken tenders and house-made sauces, aims to bring variety to the competitive fast-food landscape.
“Texas-born and breaded,” Layne’s Chicken is poised to make a significant impact, with CEO Garrett Reed expressing excitement over entering Lubbock. “We’re bringing variety to the premium chicken tender market,” he stated. The expansion will also include areas like Corpus Christi, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, and Uvalde.
C5 Restaurants, led by CEO Eli Cohen, has made headlines for its growing portfolio, which now includes the burger franchise Small Sliders. Cohen emphasized the exceptional quality of Layne’s offerings, stating, “The food’s fantastic, and they’re building an incredible business.”
Layne’s Chicken has been a staple since its establishment in 1994 in College Station, Texas. Known for its made-to-order meals, the franchise prides itself on serving a premium product. CFO Mark Crayne highlighted the superior quality of their chicken, noting, “Layne’s has the superior breading. It’s thicker, crunchier, and has a lot more flavor.”
This expansion is part of a broader strategy for Layne’s, which has opened 20 locations in 2025 and plans to have 40 units in development for next year. Reed anticipates a staggering 50-55 new openings across Texas in 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of doubled growth.
Amidst this growth, Layne’s also aims to enhance the customer experience. Popular menu items include the spicy tenders and a unique Club Sandwich featuring Texas Toast, three tenders, cheese, brisket bacon, and Layne’s Sauce.
As excitement builds for these new locations, Cohen remarked, “We wanted all of Texas that we could get, and we basically bought everything that was available. I can’t wait to grow this business.”
For the latest updates on restaurant openings, visit layneschickenfingers.com. The community can look forward to enjoying Layne’s premium chicken tenders, as it gears up to establish a strong presence in West Texas.
