New chicken restaurant to hatch in Charleston area

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A Kansas-based chicken sandwich restaurant could come to roost in the Charleston area.

Chick N Max, described as the “Home of the Better Chicken Sandwich,” is looking to build seven restaurants in the metro area and create roughly 175 new jobs in the community.

While specific locations have not yet been announced, the company is aiming for three locations in Charleston, and two each in North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

“Southeastern markets like those in the Tri-County Area boast a well-established fast-casual chicken restaurant market, and we’re aiming to establish a strong presence of our own and capture market share,” said Chick N Max’s Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development, Jeff Frahm. “We’re excited about turning the page to this next chapter of our evolution and look forward to bringing our innovative take on chicken to the area.”

Chick N Max offers 10 unique flavors of chef-crafted sandwiches, which the restaurant said are made with almond wood-smoked pulled chicken or crispy golden-fried tenders.

They will also serve an array of homestyle sides like fries, onion rings, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and smoked white beans, and 11 sauces that are made daily.

“We’re not just serving up ordinary, boring chicken sandwiches. Our menu features the latest food trends in America, and we’re taking it to new heights,” said Frahm. “We’re proud to say we’re creating the ‘better chicken sandwich’ segment, offering more than the typical ‘original’ or ‘spicy’ chicken sandwich. Our menu impresses and delights even the most discerning diners.”

The restaurants will include indoor and outdoor seating, a drive-thru, curbside pick-up, and a take-out counter. Each restaurant will be equipped with digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up through its mobile app.

Chick N Max is looking for those interested in becoming a franchisee before entering the Charleston market.

“Including a franchise fee of $35,000, the total investment to open a Chick N Max restaurant ranges from $650,000 to $2,500,000,” the chain said.

Outside of the Charleston Metro, Chick N Max is also looking to expand in other South Carolina markets like Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Bluffton.

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