Layne’s Chicken Targets San Angelo as Part of Major Expansion

SAN ANGELO, TX — Texas-born Layne’s Chicken is planning a major push into West Texas, with up to 44 new restaurants expected to open beginning in 2026. 

The expansion is part of a deal between the chicken franchise and Lubbock-based C5 Restaurants, which also operates Fazoli’s locations in the region and recently partnered with burger chain Smalls Sliders, which is also planning to open in San Angelo. 

The agreement will bring Layne’s to multiple West Texas cities, including San Angelo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Amarillo, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, San Antonio, and Uvalde.

Two San Antonio locations and at least two in Lubbock are already booked. Individual sites for the remaining cities, including San Angelo, have not yet been announced.

Layne’s Chicken, founded in College Station in 1994, specializes in chicken tenders, Texas toast, in-house sauces, gravy, and milkshakes. They said their breading is a key component of what separates them from the rest and that heat lamps do not exist in their restaurants. 

Company leaders emphasized product quality and rapid service as key drivers behind the expansion.

“We’re bringing variety to the premium chicken tender market,” CEO Garrett Reed said. “The energy is incredible. It’s a neat time to be at Layne’s.”

C5 Restaurants' leadership echoed the same confidence, calling the brand “premium” and highlighting made-to-order food and high marination standards.

"The menu is simple, but the quality is high," said Eli Cohen, C5 CEO. "(The market) is crowded, but we believe this is a premium product, and it's going to shine through."

If timelines hold, the first new Layne’s locations under this agreement will open in 2026. Additional expansions are already in development, with company officials projecting between 50 and 55 openings in 2026 alone.