Krispy Krunchy Chicken has ambitious growth plans for 2024, seeking to open more than 700 new locations by the end of the year.
The company is one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store space, already exists in nearly 2,800 locations in 47 states, having added nearly 500 new units in 2023. Also in 2023, the company found additional success by implementing strategic tactics including a simplified menu, supply chain optimizations, and the launch of its new Cajun Chicken Sandwich. The company also added a new corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.
During a recent conference, in which it brought together its leadership, sales and operations teams, as well as key suppliers, Krispy Krunchy Chicken CEO Jim Norberg announced the company’s “Now is the Time: Next Generation” plan about the brand’s future, as well as its “Core Four” strategy.
The “Core Four” strategy outlines a focus on adding net new stores, enhancing same-store sales growth, optimization of the system, and operator profitability. By tapping into new markets, expanding third-party delivery sales, enhancing its menu, and streamlining operations, the brand is committed to maximizing operator profitability and success with its offering.
“Next Generation is all about getting better. It's our belief and commitment to continuous improvement,” said Norberg. “We're expanding from being a strong foodservice brand within convenience stores to establishing ourselves as the best fried chicken brand in the country. As we strengthen connections with our team members, operators, and supplier partners, we are committed to driving profitability, creating an unparalleled workplace culture, and setting the standard for serving your favorite fried chicken.”
Krispy Krunchy Chicken, founded in Louisiana in 1989, is a quick-serve solution for convenience stores, truck stops, universities, casinos, and big box retailers across the U.S. The store-in-store concept allows licensees to serve hand-breaded, mild Cajun-spiced fried chicken and all white meat tenders to its guests, to increase their in-store profitability and drive frequency.
In other chicken foodservice news:
Popeyes Canada has launched a pair of products, both of which are available for a limited time. One of those new products is the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Wrap, which features crispy chicken tenders with bold Buffalo sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla with lettuce and tomato. The other product is the Loaded Buffalo Poutine, which the company describes as a unique take on its existing poutine, with crispy nuggets covered in a bold Buffalo flavor.
White Castle is launching the $5 Bacon Bundle, which gives the consumer an option for two Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders and a small order of fries. The company describes the Chicken Bacon Ranch Slider as a “perfect combination of our Chicken Slider, topped with crispy hickory-smoked bacon and Hidden Valley Ranch sauce.”
Chick-fil-A generated average unit revenues of $9.4 million during the previous year, reported Restaurant Business, which cited a recently released franchise disclosure document.
