Which Chicken Franchise Makes the Most Money?

Are you trying to figure out which chicken franchise makes the most money? If so, you’re not alone.

At Jack in the Box, some of the most popular questions we receive are associated with costs to get started and how much you can make.

In this article, we’ll look at which chicken franchise makes the most money by comparing the average unit volume (AUV) for each brand from the QSR 50 Report.

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A was founded by Truett Cathy in Hapeville, GA. Today, it is one of the most successful fast-food restaurants in America.

There are more than 2,800 Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the U.S. and the state with the most is Texas with 456 locations.

Chick-Fil-A AUV: $6.1MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box offers a large and distinctive 24/7 menu with five dayparts to our customers. This means you can get anything on our menu at any time – day or night.

Although we might be known as a burger franchise to most, we also offer a wide variety of chicken options across the menu.

Jack in the Box AUV: $1.9MM

This number comes from Item 19 of our latest franchise disclosure document (FDD). To receive a copy of our most recent FDD, please contact our sales team.

KFC

KFC, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, was founded by Harlan “Colonel” Sanders in 1930. They began franchising a few years later in 1952.

Since then, they’ve grown their chicken franchise to more than 25,000 locations across the world with most of their growth coming from outside the USA.

KFC AUV: $1.4MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Popeye’s

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen is a fried chicken fast-food restaurant that was founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As of 2020, they have increased their number of chicken restaurants to nearly 3,500 in 46 states and 30 countries worldwide.

Popeye’s AUV: $1.8MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Wingstop

Wingstop specializes in chicken wings and tenders along with 11 different sauces like lemon pepper, hickory smoked BBQ, original hot, mango habanero, and atomic.

Their menu includes a variety of classic wings, boneless wings, and fries along with your choice of dipping sauces.

Wingstop AUV: $1.5MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s has seen a large amount of growth due to the success of their chicken fingers, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, and chicken salads.

They have more than 900 locations in 18 different states with the majority of them located in the Southeastern United States.

Zaxby’s AUV: $2.4MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Bojangle’s

Bojangle’s is famous for bringing Cajun-style items like fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, jambalaya, and more to the masses.

Their chicken and biscuit franchise has grown to more than 770 express and traditional freestanding locations across 14 states.

Bojangle’s AUV: $1.9MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco serves marinated flame-grilled chicken in burritos, salads, tacos, soups, and quesadillas with a variety of homemade salsas and dressings.

Their name is translated to be “The Crazy Chicken” in English, and they have more than 480 restaurants across 6 states.

El Pollo Loco AUV: $2.0MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is a chicken restaurant that has become popular due to their chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s sauce.

They have rapidly expanded with company-affiliated restaurants and franchise business partners in a very specific geography.

Raising Cane’s AUV: $4.8MM

The number above represents 2021 average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2022 QSR 50 Report

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list gave you a better understanding of which chicken franchise makes the most money.

At Jack in the Box, we’re looking for multi-unit franchisees who are excited to bring our craveable 24/7 menu to new markets across the country.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• How Much Does a Jack in the Box Franchise Cost?
• 5 Benefits of Multi-Unit Franchising with Jack in the Box
• What’s a Franchise Disclosure Document?

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.