Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is making its Nevada debut with a six-unit franchise agreement in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The deal marks the brand’s first development in Nevada and underscores continued momentum as Chicken Salad Chick strategically expands beyond the Southeast and into the growing Southwest market.
Leading the development is husband-and-wife team Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, longtime Las Vegas residents who will spearhead the rollout of six restaurants across the market. Their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where both Mark and Cayla competed as NCAA Division I athletes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
“We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it’s always felt like more than just a restaurant,” says Cayla Rubalcaba. “Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful. We’re excited to introduce Las Vegas to the same hospitality and sense of community that first drew us in.”
They are joined in the venture by Cayla’s father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner in the group’s development efforts.
Nevada is one of five new states Chicken Salad Chick opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York and Utah.
“The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand,” says Mark Verges, vice president of franchise development at Chicken Salad Chick. “Expanding into Nevada marks a key milestone in our westward development strategy.”
In a record-breaking 2025, Chicken Salad Chick awarded nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrated 42 openings across 13 states. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com/franchising.
Founded in Auburn, Ala., by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 325 restaurants in 22 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney, the Chicken Salad Chick team is headquartered in Atlanta.
SOURCE: Chicken Salad Chick