Less than one month after Chick N Max launched its franchise opportunity and rolled out plans to expand across the Central United States, the emerging Wichita-based chain has identified four key markets for its first wave of expansion – Kansas City, St. Louis, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
According to founder and CEO Max Sheets, each of the markets will be able to hold at least three restaurants, with Kansas City and St. Louis capable of handling as many as 7-10.
“Solidifying our franchise expansion is a milestone we can feel proud about reaching in just a few short years since our launch in 2018. Now, our focus is on the future and bringing our innovative take on chicken to new markets,” says Sheets. “We couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter of our evolution.”
A nearly 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Sheets was at the floor of Ted’s Montana Grill when Ted Turner and George McKerrow pioneered the better-burger segment. That ultimately led him to the formation of the home of the “The Better Chicken Sandwich” – Chick N Max.
Today, Chick N Max’s chef-crafted sandwiches, made with almond wood smoked pulled chicken or golden fried tenders, are where the emerging chain stretches its culinary muscle. Examples of proprietary sandwiches include Chicken & Waffles to the Max, or crispy tenders on a toasted brioche bun with two sweet waffles, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and spicy sauce; and California Dreamin, which contains smoked chicken on a toasted potato bun, with guacamole, bacon, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and jalapeño cream sauce.
Chick N Max also serves almond wood smoked chicken in the form of wings, leg quarters, breast quarters, and half chicken. Other offerings include chicken and waffles, popcorn chicken, and sides like French fries, onion rings, and smoked white beans.
Guests can complete their meal with a range of 10 homestyle sides and 11 sauces that are made daily to ensure the highest quality and the best taste.
Rounding out the Chick N Max experience is Radio Max, a specially curated music playlist of feel-good classic rock and blues songs hosted by Sheets himself and long-time Wichita radio personality Cathy Carrier. Radio max also gives Chick N Max a platform for messaging their menu specials and catering, as well as their community support initiatives.
“Our philosophy on food and community-focused business practices that has caught the attention of our existing customers is sure to do the same with future franchisees alike,” says Chick N Max COO Bob Peterson. “The future looks bright for Chick N Max and we have barely scratched the surface of our potential.”
Including a franchise fee of $35,000, the total investment to open a 1,800-2,400 square-foot Chick N Max restaurant ranges from $450,000 to $550,000. The wide range takes into account market and store sizes and other factors.
The restaurants range from 1,800 square feet to 2,400 square feet and usually seat 60 to 80 people and have 15 to 20 employees.
