Chicken Salad Chick Enters Nevada Through Six-Unit Development Agreement
HOSPITALITY
Experienced Hospitality Group to Launch Brand’s First Nevada Locations in Las Vegas.
Chicken Salad Chick is bringing its Southern-style chicken salad to Nevada for the first time through a six-unit franchise agreement in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The deal marks a strategic expansion into the Southwest and the brand's first development in the Silver State.
Husband-and-wife team Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba will lead the Las Vegas rollout, introducing the fast-casual concept's made-from-scratch menu to Southern Nevada. Both longtime Las Vegas residents, the franchisees bring complementary backgrounds in hospitality, marketing, and education to their new venture.
"Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand's continued growth nationwide," said Mark Rubalcaba. "We take seriously the responsibility of building a business that reflects its values, one that brings people together, fosters community, and becomes a lasting staple in the Las Vegas Valley."
Hospitality Backgrounds Meet Franchise Ownership
Mark brings extensive leadership experience from MGM Resorts International and BetMGM, while Cayla's background includes hospitality training through MGM Resorts' Management Associate Program and five years as a biological science teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School. Their combined operational expertise and local ties position them to establish a lasting presence for the brand in Las Vegas.
The couple's connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where they first experienced the brand as students. Both former NCAA Division I athletes in the Southeastern Conference, they credit their competitive backgrounds with instilling the discipline and drive they bring to franchise ownership.
"We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it's always felt like more than just a restaurant," said Cayla Rubalcaba. "Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful."
The Rubalcabas are partnering with Cayla's father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner in the group's development efforts.
Southwest Expansion Gains Momentum
Nevada is one of five new states Chicken Salad Chick opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Three of those markets, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, are located in the Southwest, underscoring the brand's focused expansion into high-growth Western territories.
"The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand," said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick. "Expanding into Nevada marks a key milestone in our westward development strategy. Partnering with operators like Mark and Cayla, who deeply understand their community and embody our culture of hospitality, positions us for long-term success in the region."
The brand's evolution from a Southeast-focused concept to a nationally recognized restaurant chain has been supported by a proven track record in both emerging and established markets. Strong corporate strategy combined with a loyal customer base allows franchisees to focus on building community connections and delivering consistent guest experiences.
Record-Breaking Growth Year
In 2025, Chicken Salad Chick awarded nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrated 42 openings across 13 states. The brand's commitment to quality, community engagement, and operational support has fueled its momentum, with dozens of additional locations in development.
Chicken Salad Chick continues to receive industry recognition, including being named one of QSR Magazine's Best Franchise Deals for four consecutive years and ranking No. 3 in Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers. The brand also appeared at No. 158 in Franchise Times' Top 400 Ranking and No. 126 on Nation's Restaurant News 2025 Top 500. Additional accolades include recognition as a Top Food Franchise, Most Profitable Franchise, Top Culture Franchise, and one of the Top Franchises for Women.
Founded in Auburn, Alabama by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 325 restaurants in 22 states. The Atlanta-headquartered brand serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad with more than a dozen original flavors, plus fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.
For more information about franchise opportunities, visit chickensaladchick.com/franchising.