Have you ever grabbed a delicious scoop of Fancy Nancy or Classic Carol at Chicken Salad Chick and wondered who’s behind this rapidly growing restaurant chain? Well I definitely have! As someone who stops by for their Cranberry Kelli at least once a week I’ve been curious about the ownership story behind this Southern gem that’s been popping up across the country.
The answer might surprise you – it’s actually changed hands a few times since its humble beginnings! Let’s dive into the ownership journey of this beloved chicken salad destination that now boasts over 280 locations across 21 states.
The Founders: Stacy and Kevin Brown’s Kitchen Table Dream
Every great business has an origin story, and Chicken Salad Chick’s is particularly heartwarming. The company started with Stacy Brown, who found herself in a tough spot – unemployed, divorced, and raising three children as a single mom in Auburn, Alabama.
Like many entrepreneurial spirits facing adversity, Stacy turned to what she knew best – her delicious homemade chicken salad recipe. She began selling her chicken salad door-to-door in Auburn, literally going from house to house with her signature recipe
However, she quickly ran into a common roadblock for home-based food businesses – the health department prohibited selling foods cooked in a home kitchen. Rather than give up, Stacy and her future husband Kevin Brown saw an opportunity. They decided to open an actual restaurant, and in 2008, the first Chicken Salad Chick location was born in Auburn, Alabama.
The Browns’ vision went beyond just serving tasty food They created a concept built around Southern hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere – values that remain central to the brand today
Private Equity Enters the Picture
As the business grew beyond the Browns’ initial location, the ownership structure began to evolve. In 2015, the company caught the attention of private equity firms interested in its growth potential.
Currently, Chicken Salad Chick is partially owned by Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm that specializes in consumer-focused investments. Brentwood Associates has a strong portfolio in the restaurant industry, with investments in other popular chains like Blaze Pizza and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.
Current Leadership: Scott Deviney at the Helm
While Brentwood Associates provides the financial backing, the day-to-day operations are led by President and CEO Scott Deviney. Scott joined the Chicken Salad Chick family after building impressive credentials in the franchise world, having previously owned 25 Wendy’s franchises in Atlanta.
Before his franchise experience, Deviney worked as a director and SVP of retail and franchise industry management at SunTrust Bank. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Georgia. Fun fact – his favorite chicken salad flavor is “Buffy” (Buffalo Barclay), though he admits all the spicy options make his “hit list”!
Under Deviney’s leadership, the company relocated its headquarters from Auburn, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia in 2021, positioning itself for continued expansion.
The Executive Team Behind the Brand
The ownership structure of any successful company extends beyond just who holds the financial stakes – it’s also about who’s steering the ship day-to-day. At Chicken Salad Chick, Scott Deviney is supported by a talented executive team that helps maintain the company’s growth trajectory:
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David Ostrander serves as Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions. He’s been with the company since 2016 and prefers the Olivia’s Old South chicken salad flavor.
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Jim Thompson is the Chief Operating Officer who built the company’s operations and training systems as it grew from 6 stores to over 80. He’s a Certified Franchise Executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience. His go-to order? Cranberry Kelli.
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Tom Carr holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer, bringing nearly 30 years of marketing experience across various industries. He’s a New Orleans native who loves the spiciest option on the menu – Jalapeno Holly.
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Terry McKee serves as Chief Development Officer, leading the company’s expansion throughout the Southeast and Texas. His chicken salad preference stays classic with the appropriately named Classic Carol.
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Ryles Dodd is the Chief Information Officer, aligning technology with the business and guest experience goals. He’s a Georgia Tech grad who enjoys Olivia’s Old South.
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Mary Lou Atkins rounds out the leadership team as Vice President of Human Resources, bringing over 40 years of restaurant industry experience. Her favorite is Fancy Nancy, though she admits a weakness for the limited-time Patti Thai’riffic when it’s available.
Impressive Growth Under Current Ownership
The ownership and leadership structure has clearly been effective. When I first discovered Chicken Salad Chick back in 2016, they were just starting to expand regionally. Now, they’ve grown to over 280 locations across 21 states – that’s pretty impressive for a company that started with door-to-door sales just 17 years ago!
This expansion has earned them recognition in the industry. In 2016, Chicken Salad Chick ranked #37 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the United States. They’ve continued to appear on this prestigious list in subsequent years, demonstrating sustained growth under their current ownership structure.
Beyond Profit: The Philanthropic Side of Ownership
One aspect of Chicken Salad Chick’s ownership that I particularly admire is their commitment to giving back. In August 2014, the company established the Chicken Salad Chick Foundation, which partners with the American Cancer Society and local food banks in communities where their restaurants operate.
The foundation, directed by Barclay Smith, focuses on fighting both cancer and hunger. Since its inception, Chicken Salad Chick restaurants have generated more than $100,000 in donations to these causes. For example, in 2014 alone, the foundation donated over $6,000 to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
This commitment to community impact reflects the values instilled by founders Stacy and Kevin Brown and maintained by the current ownership structure.
What Makes Chicken Salad Chick Unique in the Fast Casual Space
When we talk about who owns Chicken Salad Chick, we’re really talking about who’s responsible for its unique position in the restaurant industry. Unlike many fast casual concepts that try to be everything to everyone, Chicken Salad Chick has stayed true to its core offering – exceptional chicken salad in multiple varieties.
The menu has expanded beyond just chicken salad to include:
- 15 different styles of chicken salad
- Pimento cheese
- Egg salad
- Various side dishes like broccoli salad, fruit salad, and pasta salad
- Daily soup specials including tomato bisque and chicken tortilla
- Fresh sandwiches and salads
But despite this growth, the focus remains on quality and Southern hospitality – values instilled by the founders and maintained by current ownership.
Franchise Opportunities: Becoming Part of the Ownership Family
If you’re really enthusiastic about Chicken Salad Chick (and honestly, who isn’t?), you might be interested to know that the current ownership structure includes a strong franchise model. Many of the 280+ locations are actually owned by franchisees who bought into the Chicken Salad Chick concept.
This franchise approach has allowed the brand to expand more rapidly while maintaining consistent quality and customer experience across locations. It’s also created opportunities for entrepreneurs who believe in the concept to become part of the extended Chicken Salad Chick ownership family.
My Personal Experience with Chicken Salad Chick
I’ll never forget my first visit to Chicken Salad Chick. I was skeptical – how good could a restaurant be that focuses almost exclusively on chicken salad? But from the moment I walked in and was greeted with that signature Southern hospitality, I was hooked.
The ownership’s commitment to quality is evident in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of the classic recipes or prefer something with a kick like Jalapeño Holly, there’s something for everyone. And the sides! Don’t even get me started on that grape salad – it’s practically dessert!
What impresses me most about the current ownership is how they’ve managed to grow the brand while maintaining the homey, welcoming feel that Stacy and Kevin Brown initially created. That’s no small feat when expanding from a single location to hundreds across the country.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Chicken Salad Chick Ownership?
As with many successful restaurant concepts backed by private equity, there’s always speculation about future ownership changes. While there’s no official word on any upcoming transitions, the strong growth trajectory could eventually lead to either:
- An initial public offering (IPO), making Chicken Salad Chick a publicly traded company
- Acquisition by a larger restaurant group or another private equity firm
- Continued private ownership with focus on organic growth
Whatever the future holds, the foundation built by Stacy and Kevin Brown, enhanced by Brentwood Associates, and currently led by Scott Deviney and his team has positioned Chicken Salad Chick for continued success.
So, who owns Chicken Salad Chick? The technical answer is Brentwood Associates, with Scott Deviney serving as President and CEO. But in many ways, the brand belongs to all those who’ve contributed to its journey – from founders Stacy and Kevin Brown to the current executive team, franchisees, and even loyal customers who return again and again for their favorite scoop.
The ownership story of Chicken Salad Chick is one of entrepreneurial spirit, strategic investment, and staying true to core values even during rapid expansion. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best business ideas come from life’s challenges – like a single mom trying to support her family with a delicious homemade recipe.
Next time you’re enjoying your favorite chicken salad variety, whether it’s Fancy Nancy or Classic Carol, you’ll have a better understanding of the ownership journey behind each delicious bite!
The Franchise Flavor: Choosing Chicken Salad Chick
Bill DiPaola, a seasoned franchising veteran, explains the natural fit of Chicken Salad Chick with their values and experiences. “I certainly have been doing franchising for many, many years,” Bill shared, “I’ve served as a franchise executive, been involved in operations, and worked on the supplier, franchisor, and franchisee sides—covering every aspect you can imagine in this industry, especially in restaurants.” His extensive franchising background and involvement as a member of the Legislative Action Group for the International Franchise Association have prepared him well for this endeavor.
Tiffany, with a longstanding appreciation for Chicken Salad Chick’s menu, expressed her personal connection to the brand. “I ate it every day in high school for four years, I was always very sad that we did not have one here in New Orleans. When I lived in Florida for a bit, I would go to Chicken Salad Chick at least twice a week and often used their catering for my lunches,” she recalled. Her passion for the brand sparked the decision to bring the franchise to their hometown, hoping to fill a gap in the local food scene.
Community at the Core: A Recipe for Giving Back
Bill and Anne have always prioritized community involvement in their business operations. Anne, a stage 3 cancer survivor, and Bill, an advocate for the homeless and those in need, resonate deeply with Chicken Salad Chick’s philanthropic efforts and values. “When we thought about building our own business, we wanted to build something that really shared our values. That was a lot of where this started from,” Bill stated, underlining their alignment with the brand’s ethos of giving back to the community through support for cancer research and food insecurity.
Their community engagement isn’t just about business growth but also about setting an example for their daughters. “It’s important for our daughters to see us achieve; kids, in general, need to see their mothers achieve. What I love about Chicken Salad Chick is that they value female achievement,” Anne emphasized, reflecting on the importance of female leadership and empowerment, themes central to Chicken Salad Chick’s culture.
Chicken Salad Chick
FAQ
Who owns Chicken Salad Chick?
In 2016, Chicken Salad Chick was ranked #37 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S. The restaurant is partially owned by private equity firm Brentwood Associates, which also has investments in Blaze Pizza and Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.
Does Chicken Salad Chick have a franchise?
Meanwhile, Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick had a record-breaking year in 2024 with nearly 40 openings and 88 franchise agreements signed. That represented a 60 percent increase over the previous year. The brand serves its southern-style chicken salad in 288 restaurants across 20 states, which is double the number of stores it had five years ago.
Where is Chicken Salad Chick located?
Chicken Salad Chick is a fast casual restaurant chain and franchise of chicken salad restaurants currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. To date, the chain consists of over 280 franchise restaurants and stores in 21 different U.S. states. The company started with Stacy Brown, who was unemployed, divorced, and raising three children.
Who is the original Chicken Salad Chick?
Stacy Brown is the original Chicken Salad Chick. She founded Chicken Salad Chick in her very own kitchen.
How many Chicken Salad Chick locations are there?
Chicken Salad Chick has more than 40 locations across the Southeast. The brand has currently sold 141 franchises to be developed in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
How many Chicken Salad Chick stores will open in 2029?
The company is aiming to open about 300 shops by 2029. The Atlanta-based brand had a record-breaking year in 2024 with nearly 40 openings and 88 franchise agreements signed. That represented a 60 percent increase over the previous year. Chicken Salad Chick serves its southern-style chicken salad in 288 restaurants in 20 states.
Who bought Chicken Salad Chick?
Brentwood Associates (“Brentwood”), a consumer-focused private equity firm, announced it has acquired a majority interest in SSRG Holdings, LLC (“Chicken Salad Chick” or the “Company”) from Eagle Merchant Partners.
What happened to Kevin Brown of Chicken Salad Chick?
Chicken Salad Chick co-founder Kevin Brown dies Chicken Salad Chick co-founder Kevin Brown dies. The co-founder of the Chicken Salad Chick concept, Kevin Brown, died Nov. 21 after dealing with cancer for two years. He was 40.
Did Paula Deen start Chicken Salad Chick?
The brainchild of owner Stacy Brown, Chicken Salad Chick was born from her quest to find the crème de la crème of the creamy, chicken-based classic — ultimately leading her to create her own. In 2008, Brown started selling her chicken salad as a business venture with her husband, Kevin.
Who is the CEO of Chicken Salad Chick?
Scott Deviney serves as the president and CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. Prior to joining the Chick Family, Scott honed his franchise experience owning 25 Wendy’s franchises in Atlanta.