Chicken Salad Chick appointed Drew Travis as chief financial officer on August 17, 2026, strengthening its executive leadership team as the fast-casual restaurant chain accelerates its national expansion. Travis assumes the role amid a period of significant geographic growth for the brand, which now operates more than 340 restaurants across 25 states.

The hiring follows recent executive additions, including the February appointments of Jill Thomas as chief marketing officer and Brian Lindley as chief development officer. Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick, stated that Travis brings the business acumen and financial strategy required at this stage of growth.

Leadership Background

Travis brings more than 18 years of finance experience, with over a decade focused on the restaurant industry. His background spans corporate finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, data analytics, profit and loss (P&L) management, and strategic planning.

He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance at GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands), the global multi-brand franchising company behind Cinnabon and Moe's Southwest Grill. During his nearly six years with GoTo Foods, he also held positions as Vice President of Finance and Senior Director of Finance.

Prior to his tenure at GoTo Foods, Travis held senior financial leadership roles at:

• Bloomin' Brands, Inc.
• GrubHub
• Discover Financial Services
• Levi Strauss & Co.

Travis holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Expansion Strategy

The leadership change coincides with a milestone year for Chicken Salad Chick. The brand recently made its debuts in Minnesota and Pennsylvania this summer. It plans to enter multiple new states in 2026, including:

• West Virginia
• New York
• Michigan

Travis stated that his goal is to strengthen the financial foundation and support franchise owners as they expand. He emphasized the brand's strong unit economics and mission-driven values as key factors in his decision to join the team.

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced on August 10, 2026, that it is opening its first location in the Greater Cleveland market. The new restaurant is situated in the Westgate Shopping Center at 3038 Westgate Mall Drive in Fairview Park. The grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, marking the brand's entry into Ohio's largest metropolitan area and expanding its footprint in a region previously unserved by the chain.

The launch coincides with a promotional campaign designed to drive initial foot traffic. The first 100 guests in line at 10 am on August 25 will receive free chicken salad for a year. Specifically, the first guest will receive one free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year, while the next 99 guests will receive one free large Quick Chick per month for a year. To secure these rewards, guests must remain in line, download the Chicken Salad Chick app, and make a qualifying purchase upon opening. Rewards are delivered electronically via the app and are valid for redemption for 30 days upon delivery.

Grand Opening Week Promotions

Beyond the initial grand opening day, the Fairview Park location will host daily specials throughout the opening week. These promotions require guests to be 16 years or older and limit rewards to one per guest present.

The Fairview Park restaurant is owned and operated by Doug and Angela Fitch, residents of Avon who bring nearly 40 years of combined experience in restaurant sales, administration, and franchising. Doug Fitch specializes in franchise restaurants, while the couple was introduced to the brand while visiting Florida. "Chicken Salad Chick was the perfect investment for Angela and I," said Doug Fitch, co-owner of Chicken Salad Chick of Fairview Park. "We couldn't be more excited to bring such a unique concept to greater Cleveland."

Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick, highlighted the strategic fit for the market. "We're pleased to be expanding Chicken Salad Chick's Ohio footprint and entering the greater Cleveland market for the first time," Deviney said. He cited affordable operating costs, a strong local food culture, and a supportive community as key factors for the expansion. The brand has grown to more than 345 restaurants across 25 states, driven by a network of franchise owners.

Community Engagement and Operations

The new location will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm. It will offer in-restaurant dining, take-out, third-party delivery, and catering options. The menu features more than a dozen made-from-scratch chicken salad flavors, fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.

Community giving remains a core component of the brand's strategy. The CSC Foundation supports CURE Childhood Cancer and local food banks. For this specific opening, the Fairview Park team is raising funds for Prayers From Maria, a non-profit children’s cancer foundation focused on research and awareness for childhood brain tumors, during pre-opening Friends & Family events.