AUBURN, Ala. – Chicken Salad Chick agreed to acquire 11 pre-existing restaurants in Georgia from the brand’s largest franchisee, Origin Development Group. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition brings the company-owned unit count to 32.

Darren DeVore and Lauren Fernandez, founders of Origin Development Group, acquired three Chicken Salad Chick restaurants in Atlanta in 2016, and grew the chain to 11 locations. Origin quickly expanded in the greater Atlanta area in Peachtree City, Buckhead, Vinings, Cumming and McDonough with an average of three new openings a year. Chicken Salad Chick is a Southern-inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept founded in 2008 by Stacy Brown.

“Origin Development Group founders Darren and Lauren are truly valued growth partners and have been passionate ambassadors of our brand,” said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. “Atlanta is an important market for us, and in just two-and-a-half years, Origin substantially increased our presence in the area, while successfully managing operations. As one of our largest franchise owners, we sincerely appreciate what Origin has done for Chicken Salad Chick and we are excited to have their restaurant teams join our company operations.”

Lauren Fernandez, president of Origin Development Group said “Chicken Salad Chick is simply unique in the fast-casual space, with its made-from-scratch fresh food and Southern-inspired menu. I am proud to have aligned with such an innovative, inspiring company and am thrilled we were able to set the brand up for continued growth and success in the Atlanta market.”

In 2019, Chicken Salad Chick plans to open 40 additional locations that will be a mix of company and franchisee-owned restaurants.