Whataburger Franchisee to Bring Layne's Chicken Fingers to East Texas with a 25-Unit Deal

June 26, 2024, Taylor Thomas, a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep-rooted history in the franchise industry, is making waves in East Texas as the newest franchisee of Layne’s Chicken Fingers. Having signed on to open 25 units across the region, Thomas is poised to reshape the local dining scene, emphasizing community involvement and a top-tier product that resonates with his Texas values.

Thomas’ introduction to the entrepreneurial world started with a Whataburger franchise that his father purchased back in 1989. “After I earned my master’s degree in 2016, I joined the family business with a vision to expand,” he said. “Once we maxed out our territory, it was time to find a new brand that aligned with our aspirations for growth and community connection.”

As someone intimately familiar with the restaurant industry, Thomas knew there was no shortage of options.

“When we first started looking, we were only looking at major brands,” Thomas said. “But we realized that the bigger the brand, the more likely that family-owned atmosphere goes away. There was a disconnect there. We want to feel like we can bounce off ideas and help the whole brand grow. The restaurant business isn’t easy — it never has been. So it’s important to have that collaboration between the franchisee and franchisor.”

The introduction to Layne’s Chicken Fingers came to Thomas serendipitously. “We were out eating one night and one of our buddies brought up Layne’s,” he said. “We didn’t even know the brand. We went to check it out, started talking with the team, visited some locations in Dallas and fell in love with the product. It was really everything we were after.”

Thomas was particularly drawn to Layne’s Chicken Fingers for its strong emphasis on maintaining a family-oriented culture, even as the brand grows. He was also impressed by the simplicity and quality of Layne’s operations and its well-defined culture, which isn’t always easy to find.

Overall, Thomas’s decision to partner with Layne’s was driven by three main criteria: simplicity, quality and a focus on family. “Layne’s hits all these marks, and their strong Texas roots only made the decision easier,” he said. “We are Texas people at heart.”

With plans to open the first location in Tyler by the end of the year, Thomas is committed to a long-term vision of expansion.

“It’s not just about growing a business, but also enriching the communities we enter,” Thomas said. “Introducing this concept to my hometown is a fantastic feeling. I can’t tell you how many phone calls I’ve already received from people who heard about this plan and are so excited we are bringing Layne’s to this area.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to the Layne’s family as he embarks on this exciting venture in East Texas,” said Samir Wattar, chief operating officer of Layne’s Chicken Fingers.

SOURCE Layne’s Chicken Fingers