America's fast food chicken chains are on a growth spree, with Slim Chickens and Pollo Campero planning dozens of openings in 2024. Krispy Krunchy Chicken aims to outdo them all, targeting hundreds of new outlets by year's end.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, known for its Cajun-spiced offerings, operates in convenience stores and truck stops. After opening nearly 500 locations in 2023, it's aiming for 700 more this year.
With nearly 3,000 stores across 47 states, Krispy Krunchy's goal is to surpass 3,500 by the end of 2024. The expansion will cement its status among the top chicken chains in the U.S.
This growth will place Krispy Krunchy closer to the footprint of giants like KFC and Chick-fil-A. Krispy Krunchy Chicken's "Core Four" strategy focuses on expansion, sales growth, profitability, and system optimization.
CEO Jim Norberg stated, "We're expanding from being a strong foodservice brand within convenience stores to establishing ourselves as the best fried chicken brand in the country." He emphasized profitability, culture, and serving the best fried chicken.
Other chains are also expanding. Wingstop plans 270 new restaurants globally in 2024, while Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers aims to open 65 new locations, beating its 2023 record.