Chicken Salad Chick Named Drew Travis as New CFO
The restaurant chain has appointed a new finance chief as it targets growth in new states.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Dining Out
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Chicken Salad Chick has appointed Drew Travis as its new Chief Financial Officer. The Atlanta-based company is currently executing a major expansion plan to reach more than 500 total locations.
Why it matters
The hiring of a new financial executive arrives as the brand prepares to enter new markets including West Virginia, New York, and Michigan. This strategic growth continues the company trajectory since its acquisition by Brentwood Associates in 2019.
A typical restaurant location measures between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet and requires an average buildout cost of approximately $700,000. Franchise owners provide the capital for these new sites while the company supplies operational support.
The players
Drew Travis
He is the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of Chicken Salad Chick.
Chicken Salad Chick
It is an Atlanta-based restaurant chain currently operating more than 340 locations.
Brentwood Associates
This private equity firm acquired a majority interest in the parent company in 2019.
Stacy Brown
She co-founded the restaurant company alongside Kevin Brown in 2008.
Kevin Brown
He co-founded the restaurant company alongside Stacy Brown in 2008.
The details
Founded by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama, the chain has grown significantly under the backing of Brentwood Associates. The company provides necessary training, marketing, and operational support to ensure franchise owners can successfully develop their locations.
Timeline
The company was founded in 2008.
Brentwood Associates acquired a majority interest in 2019.
Expansion into West Virginia, New York, and Michigan is slated for 2026.
Culture Shift
The company expansion reflects the broader trend of successful fast-casual brands scaling through standardized franchise models. This trajectory emphasizes rapid growth into new regional markets supported by private equity investment.
Consumers in the new expansion states can expect new dining locations to open in 2026 as franchise owners utilize the corporate support system. This growth will increase the brand availability for diners accustomed to standard restaurant footprints.
The takeaway
The addition of a new CFO highlights the administrative requirements of managing a nationwide franchise network. Prospective franchisees should note that building out a standard location requires a significant capital investment of around $700,000.
Further reading
For more on industry trends, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CFO Dive.
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