Rosenberg, January 3, 2026
Layne’s Chicken Fingers has officially opened its new location in Rosenberg, Texas, marking a significant expansion for the brand. Located on Southwest Freeway, the restaurant had a soft opening on December 31, with a grand opening planned for January 10. This expansion is part of Layne’s strategic growth plans, aiming for 80 locations by the end of 2026 across Texas and beyond. The arrival of new businesses like Layne’s strengthens the local economy and provides fresh dining options for residents.
Houston, TX
Layne’s Chicken Fingers Unveils New Rosenberg Location, Eyes Significant Growth in 2026
Entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in the Greater Houston area as Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a Texas-born brand, celebrates the opening of its newest location in Rosenberg. This expansion marks a new chapter for the company, signaling robust growth ambitions across the state and beyond in 2026, driven by a commitment to quality and a strategic approach to franchising.
The arrival of new businesses like Layne’s in Fort Bend County contributes to the dynamic economic landscape of the region, fostering job creation and offering fresh dining options for residents. Such ventures underscore the vitality of local economies, often propelled by the determination of small business owners and a favorable environment for growth.
Rosenberg Welcomes Latest Culinary Venture
Layne’s Chicken Fingers officially opened its doors in Rosenberg, located at 28225 Southwest Freeway. While a grand opening event is slated for January 10, customers have been frequenting the establishment since its soft opening on December 31. This strategic location benefits from neighboring businesses and its proximity to the Fort Bend County Epicenter, reflecting a thoughtful approach to market positioning in a rapidly growing community.
The presence of new businesses like Layne’s contributes to the local retail sector, which is a key focus for Rosenberg’s economic development strategy. The city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan 2024-2033 emphasizes maximizing development opportunities in retail, industrial, and redevelopment sectors to strengthen the tax base and enhance community vibrancy.
A Texas Success Story: From College Station to Nationwide Ambition
Layne’s Chicken Fingers began its journey in 1994, founded by Mike Layne in College Station, Texas. The original establishment quickly gained popularity among Texas A&M University students for its chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and signature sauce.
Mike Garratt, who was a regular customer, eventually became involved with the business in 1995 as a cook and later bought the remainder of the business in 1999, becoming the sole owner. The brand remained a local favorite for many years, expanding its presence in College Station over the next 25 years. In 2017, the current leadership team acquired the brand, subsequently launching its franchise program in 2021, which significantly altered its growth trajectory.
Accelerated Expansion and Strategic Franchising
The brand’s strategic franchising initiatives have fueled rapid expansion. Layne’s Chicken Fingers expanded beyond College Station into Houston in 2021, with its first franchisee being a Texas A&M alumnus. By mid-2025, Layne’s had grown to 30 operating locations, marking an increase of over 50%. The company aims to have approximately 80 restaurants by the end of 2026.
In 2025 alone, the company awarded 35 new franchise units and opened locations in new states such as Utah, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia, alongside continued growth in Texas. A significant deal signed in November 2025 includes plans for 44 new locations across Texas, covering areas like San Antonio, South Texas, and West Texas. This expansion in its home state is nearing 100% market saturation for franchising opportunities, with remaining territories primarily in El Paso and smaller single-unit areas.
Fostering Economic Growth and Entrepreneurial Opportunities
The expansion of Layne’s Chicken Fingers, both locally in Rosenberg and across the nation, exemplifies how private investment and entrepreneurial drive contribute to economic growth. The company’s franchising model allows driven business owners to build significant ventures, emphasizing quality, consistent operations, and community impact.
The fast-casual restaurant sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, offering opportunities for local job creation and stimulating related businesses within the supply chain. Rosenberg, with its focus on small business and entrepreneurship within its economic development plan, stands to benefit from such new establishments. This environment encourages further investment and innovation, creating a positive feedback loop for the local economy. Businesses like Layne’s prioritize supporting their franchisees, fostering a “strong culture and a clear playbook” that enables local teams to focus on execution and community engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Texas Values
Layne’s Chicken Fingers, recognized as a rising restaurant chain for 2026, continues to attract interest from experienced operators due to its scalable model and established customer favorite status. The brand’s journey from a single College Station eatery to a rapidly expanding franchise highlights the power of a focused menu, authentic identity, and a commitment to customer experience.
As Layne’s extends its footprint, it is not merely about opening new restaurants but about creating new opportunities for Texas TX entrepreneurs and contributing to the overall economic vitality of communities like Rosenberg. Supporting local businesses, both established and emerging, remains crucial for sustaining the vibrant Houston TX business environment and ensuring continued economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Layne’s Chicken Fingers open its newest location in Rosenberg?
- Layne’s Chicken Fingers held a soft opening for its newest Rosenberg location on December 31, with a grand opening scheduled for January 10.
- Where is the new Layne’s Chicken Fingers in Rosenberg located?
- The new Layne’s Chicken Fingers restaurant in Rosenberg is located at 28225 Southwest Freeway.
- When was Layne’s Chicken Fingers founded?
- Layne’s Chicken Fingers was founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas.
- What are Layne’s Chicken Fingers’ growth plans for 2026?
- Layne’s Chicken Fingers aims to have approximately 80 restaurants by the end of 2026, driven by new franchise agreements and expansions across Texas and other states.
- What states is Layne’s Chicken Fingers expanding into?
- In addition to continued growth in Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers has opened locations in states such as Utah, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia.
Key Features of Layne’s Chicken Fingers Expansion
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Rosenberg Location Opening Date | Soft opening December 31, grand opening January 10. | Local |
| Founding Year and Location | 1994, College Station, Texas. | State-level |
| 2026 Growth Target | Aiming for approximately 80 restaurants by end of 2026. | Nationwide |
| Recent Expansion States (2025) | Utah, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, and continued Texas growth. | Nationwide |
| Major Texas Expansion Deal | 44 new locations across San Antonio, South Texas, and West Texas. | State-level |
| Franchising Program Launch | Began franchising in 2021. | Nationwide |
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