BREAKING: Layne’s Chicken has just announced an ambitious plan to open 44 new restaurants across West Texas by 2026. This exciting expansion follows a recent partnership with Lubbock’s C5 Restaurants, which is also known for its innovative food ventures, including the upcoming burger franchise Small Sliders.
The deal marks a significant milestone for Layne’s Chicken, a beloved Texas institution known for its premium chicken tenders and signature sauces. The expansion will see new locations in key areas, including San Antonio, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Midland, and Odessa.
CEO Garrett Reed expressed enthusiasm about the new venture: “We always wanted to get out there, and we’re excited to come to Lubbock. We’re bringing variety to the premium chicken tender market, and I think it’s going to be really well received.” The first location is set to open at 7902 University Ave. in Lubbock, tentatively scheduled for March 2026, with a second site at 2227 19th St. following later that year.
C5’s CEO Eli Cohen highlighted the quality and appeal of Layne’s offerings. “The food’s fantastic, and they’re building an incredible business. It’s a crowded market, but we believe this is a premium product, and it’s going to shine through,” Cohen stated.
The expansion is part of a broader growth strategy for Layne’s, which plans to open 20 locations in 2025 and has 40 units currently in development. Reed aims for between 50-55 openings in 2026, marking a remarkable doubling of growth for the fourth consecutive year.
Mark Crayne, CFO of C5, praised Layne’s unique offerings: “A lot of times when you get chicken tenders, they can be bland. I think Layne’s has the superior breading. It’s thicker, crunchier, and has a lot more flavor.” Customers can expect a menu that prioritizes quality and freshness, a hallmark of the Layne’s brand since it first opened in College Station in 1994.
C5 is planning to establish a total of five locations in Lubbock, enhancing the local dining scene and providing residents with more premium fast-food options. “With Layne’s, we wanted all of Texas that we could get, and we basically bought everything that was available,” Cohen remarked, adding that the company is poised for exciting growth in the coming years.
For those eager to keep track of the new locations, updates will be available on Layne’s official website, layneschickenfingers.com. As the company prepares for this extensive rollout, residents can anticipate a vibrant addition to the Texas culinary landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Layne’s Chicken continues its expansion across Texas!
