Have you ever bitten into one of those delicious chicken salad sandwiches from Chicken Salad Chick and wondered “Who actually owns this place?” I know I have! As a foodie who’s obsessed with knowing the stories behind my favorite restaurants I decided to dig deep into who’s running the show at this fast-growing chain. Let’s dive into the ownership and leadership that’s making Chicken Salad Chick such a success!
The Current Leadership of Chicken Salad Chick
If you’re wondering who currently owns and operates Chicken Salad Chick, the answer is pretty straightforward. The company is led by Scott Deviney, who serves as the President and CEO. But ownership isn’t as simple as naming one person – there’s a whole leadership team running this successful chicken salad empire.
Meet the Top Chick: Scott Deviney
Scott Deviney didn’t just randomly step into the chicken salad business. Before joining the “Chick Family” (as they call themselves), he built up some serious franchise experience:
- Owned 25 Wendy’s franchises in Atlanta
- Worked as a director and SVP at SunTrust Bank focusing on retail and franchise industry management
- Graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in economics
What’s kinda funny is that his favorite chicken salad isn’t even the classic one – he prefers “Buffy” (also known as Buffalo Barclay) and other spicy varieties like Kickin’ Kay Lynn, Spicy Pimento, and their seasonal Jamaica’me Jenny.
The Executive Team Behind the Success
Scott isn’t running the show alone. Chicken Salad Chick has assembled a strong executive team that owns different aspects of the business:
David Ostrander – Chief Financial Officer
David joined Chicken Salad Chick in 2016 and serves as the CFO His background includes
- Financial executive experience with mergers and acquisitions
- Previous roles as CFO for Chateau Elan Hotels & Resorts
- Experience as an executive at GE and analyst at Merrill Lynch
Despite growing up in Upstate New York. David’s favorite chicken salad flavor is Olivia’s Old South – showing he’s embraced southern cuisine!
Jim Thompson – Chief Operating Officer
Jim is a Certified Franchise Executive who has been crucial in the company’s expansion:
- Built operations, training, and management systems from scratch
- Helped grow the chain from just 6 stores to more than 80
- Implemented food safety and guest satisfaction audits
Jim’s favorite flavor? Cranberry Kelli, although he apparently talks about their Grape Salad more than anything else!
Tom Carr – Chief Marketing Officer
With nearly 30 years of marketing experience, Tom brings creativity to the Chicken Salad Chick brand:
- Experience across entertainment, apparel, restaurants, and media
- Two-time “marketer of the year” in the cable television industry
- Hails from New Orleans, influencing his approach to brand storytelling
Tom likes it spicy – his top pick is Jalapeno Holly, which he claims to eat EVERY day!
Terry McKee – Chief Development Officer
Terry leads the company’s expansion throughout the Southeast and Texas:
- Extensive experience in real estate strategies and site selection
- Previously led development at AutoZone for 13 years, opening 150 stores annually
- Prefers the Classic Carol flavor – staying true to the basics
Ryles Dodd – Chief Information Officer
As the tech guru of the group, Ryles aligns technology with business growth:
- Previous leadership roles at Arby’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Capital Grille
- Georgia Tech graduate who grew up in Macon, GA
- Enjoys outdoor activities like boating, camping, and fishing when not working
- Favors Olivia’s Old South, the chicken salad he grew up with in the deep South
Mary Lou Atkins – Vice President Human Resources
With over 40 years in the restaurant industry, Mary Lou handles the people side of the business:
- Joined Chicken Salad Chick in 2019
- Previously spent 35 years with Popeyes in various positions
- Grew up in different communities as a military child
- Loves Fancy Nancy but switches to Patti Thai’riffic whenever it’s available as a limited-time option
Understanding Ownership in Business
When we talk about who “owns” a business like Chicken Salad Chick, it’s important to understand what ownership actually means. According to Merriam-Webster, to “own” means “to have or hold as property” or “to possess.” In the business world, this can take different forms.
For companies like Chicken Salad Chick, ownership often involves:
- Corporate ownership – The company itself might be owned by a parent company or investment group
- Individual leadership ownership – Key executives may own shares or stakes in the business
- Franchise model – Individual franchise owners may own specific locations while the parent company owns the brand
The History of Chicken Salad Chick Ownership
Chicken Salad Chick has actually gone through several ownership changes since it was founded. The restaurant chain wasn’t always the sizeable operation it is today.
The company was originally founded by Stacy Brown in Auburn, Alabama. She started making chicken salad in her kitchen and selling it door-to-door. When she learned this was against health department regulations, she opened her first restaurant with her husband Kevin in 2008.
Since then, the ownership has evolved:
- 2015: Chicken Salad Chick was acquired by Eagle Merchant Partners, a private equity firm
- 2019: The company was purchased by Brentwood Associates, another private equity firm
So while Scott Deviney serves as the President and CEO, the ultimate ownership of Chicken Salad Chick belongs to Brentwood Associates, the private equity firm that currently owns the company.
Why Ownership Matters for Restaurant Chains
You might be wondering why it even matters who owns your favorite chicken salad place. Well, ownership can significantly impact several aspects of a restaurant chain:
1. Growth Strategy
Different owners have different visions for expansion. Some private equity firms push for rapid growth to increase value before selling, while others take a more measured approach.
2. Menu Development
Ownership can influence menu decisions – what stays, what goes, and what new items get developed. The fact that each executive has their own favorite flavor shows how personal preferences might subtly influence the menu!
3. Company Culture
The leadership team sets the tone for the entire organization. Chicken Salad Chick refers to itself as the “Chick Family,” suggesting a close-knit culture that likely comes from the top.
4. Local Impact
As Chicken Salad Chick expands, the way the ownership approaches community relations affects how each location integrates into its neighborhood.
The Growth Under Current Ownership
Under Scott Deviney’s leadership and the backing of Brentwood Associates, Chicken Salad Chick has experienced impressive growth. What started as a small operation has expanded to numerous locations across the Southeast and beyond.
The executive team’s diverse background in franchising, finance, operations, marketing, real estate, technology, and human resources has created a well-rounded approach to growing the brand while maintaining quality and culture.
My Thoughts on Chicken Salad Chick’s Ownership
As someone who’s eaten at Chicken Salad Chick many times, I think the current ownership structure seems to be working well. The restaurants maintain consistent quality, the brand feels authentic despite its growth, and they continue to innovate with seasonal flavors while keeping the classics.
It’s interesting to see how each executive has their own favorite chicken salad flavor – showing they actually eat and enjoy the product they’re selling! That’s not always the case with restaurant executives.
So who owns Chicken Salad Chick? Technically, it’s owned by Brentwood Associates with Scott Deviney serving as President and CEO. But in many ways, the “ownership” extends beyond just financial stakes.
The executive team collectively “owns” the responsibility for the brand’s success. The local franchise owners “own” their individual locations and community relationships. And in some small way, loyal customers “own” a piece of the brand through their continued support and enthusiasm.
Next time you’re enjoying your favorite chicken salad (mine’s Fancy Nancy, by the way!), you can appreciate the team of people who own and operate this growing restaurant chain – from the corporate offices to the person making your sandwich.
FAQs About Chicken Salad Chick Ownership
Q: Is Chicken Salad Chick privately owned?
A: Yes, Chicken Salad Chick is privately owned by Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm.
Q: Who is the CEO of Chicken Salad Chick?
A: Scott Deviney serves as the President and CEO of Chicken Salad Chick.
Q: Does the original founder still own Chicken Salad Chick?
A: No, the original founder Stacy Brown is no longer the owner, though her original recipes and concept remain central to the brand.
Q: Can I own a Chicken Salad Chick franchise?
A: Yes, Chicken Salad Chick operates on a franchise model in many locations. You would need to apply through their official channels to be considered.
Q: How many Chicken Salad Chick locations are there?
A: The company has grown from its original 6 stores to more than 80 locations, primarily in the Southeast and Texas.
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