Watch Out, Raising Cane's: This Chicken Chain Is Soaring To The Top - Tasting Table

"In the first half of 2025 alone, Layne's achieved an impressive 50% increase in units. That said, the business hasn't rocketed out of nowhere; it's just been dormant for two decades. Mike Layne launched the first venue in 1994 in College Station, Texas, but passed sole ownership to Mike Garrett shortly after. From there, it entered a sleepy spell, remaining one of those regional chains every fried chicken fan should know but often overlooks."

"After years of this stagnant growth, everything changed with the decision to franchise in 2021. By 2022, the chain had eight stores, as of 2025 it has exceeded 30, and by 2026, it's predicted to reach 80. Layne's Chicken Fingers is franchising faster than wildfire, and steadily branching out into different states, including Arkansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Talk about a shake-up. Cane's should probably watch out."

"Why get lost in statistics when you can pore over a delicious menu instead? Layne's Chicken Fingers takes a simple approach to its dishes. On first glance, it's self-explanatory: Chicken-finger meals are the chain's bread-and-butter. Think boxes of crinkle-cut chips, Texas toast, and one of six sauces to dip your fried chicken tenders. Pots of honey mustard, gravy, BBQ, jalapeno ranch, buttermilk ranch, and smoky Layne's sauce are all on the cards. Plus, the food is halal, which is an instant boon over many competitors."

Layne's Chicken Fingers opened its first location in 1994 in College Station, Texas and later transferred ownership to Mike Garrett. The brand experienced about two decades of regional dormancy before launching franchising in 2021. Growth accelerated rapidly with eight stores by 2022, more than 30 by 2025, and a 50% unit increase in the first half of 2025; projections estimate 80 locations by 2026. Expansion is reaching states such as Arkansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The menu focuses on chicken-finger meals with crinkle-cut chips, Texas toast, six dipping sauces, halal preparation, and additional sandwiches and wraps. The brand ranked sixth on the Restaurant Business Future 50 list.

Read at Tasting Table