If you’re in the mood for some tasty chicken, you are in luck! Chick N Max is planning its Texas debut with its first franchise location expected to open sometime this fall in Willis.
Chick N Max franchise owner Aaron Johnson told What Now Houston he is moving forward with a lease in Willis at FM 1097 and I-45 in the new H-E-B development. Johnson is still looking for multiple sites across the Houston area, and he and his wife want to expand from there, ultimately bringing a total of 25 Chick N Max locations to areas across the Lone Star State.
“When I was looking at franchises, I wanted to introduce a brand,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited about being the first because while it takes a while to build a brand, I think I’ve got a little bit of a track record doing just that.”
Johnson is no stranger to the restaurant industry. He began working in the industry washing dishes at the age of 13. He has worked in the corporate side of restaurants, including MOD Pizza and Smashburger, for most of his life. “I just decided it was time to own something versus run it for other people. I was looking for a concept that had unbelievable food quality,” Johnson explained.
Johnson’s friend and former Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Smashburger, Max Sheets, founded Chick N Max in 2017. The chicken restaurant started franchising in 2021. “After my first bite, I knew this was the right concept to explore,” Johnson shared.
His favorite is the Nashville Hot Chicken. “It’s just phenomenal. My second favorite, definitely the Almond Wood Smoked. It’s just a different flavor profile than we’re used to getting in Texas. It’s just a little bit more mild, and it’s amazing,” Johnson said. Chick N Max offers crispy tenders, sandwiches, smoked chicken, popcorn chicken, and more.
As Johnson’s Chick N Max expansion plan moves forward, he wants to make sure he takes care of his employees. “I want to be the employer of choice. I want to have fun with my employees and just enjoy what we get to do.”
