Chicken Salad Chick Is Coming to Apple Valley
If you've ever driven through the South and spotted a Chicken Salad Chick, you probably walked out with a full stomach and a new favorite lunch spot. Now you won't have to leave Minnesota to get one.
Local entrepreneur Mike Boogerd has officially locked in Apple Valley as the home of the state's very first Chicken Salad Chick franchise. The restaurant will open at 14658 Cedar Ave, right next to Flooring Expo and Five Guys in the busy Cedar Avenue commercial corridor — the same stretch of road that continues to attract new businesses across the South Metro.
From Corporate Layoff to Franchise Owner
Boogerd's path to restaurant ownership wasn't exactly planned. After years in corporate America, he was laid off — and decided he wasn't going back. A friend recommended Chicken Salad Chick, and after researching the brand, he was sold.
He and his wife Mandi signed their franchise agreement in December 2024 and have been working toward opening day ever since. They're Lakeville residents, so this is truly a hometown venture for the South Metro.
Boogerd has already joined the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce and connected with the local Rotary club. He's treating this like a community venture, not just a business launch.
So What Exactly Is Chicken Salad Chick?
Chicken Salad Chick started in Auburn, Alabama and has grown to over 325 locations nationwide. The concept is straightforward: fresh chicken salad served a dozen different ways in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Here's what makes it different from your typical fast-casual spot. There are no grills and no fryers. The chicken tenders are steamed, shredded, and mixed with fresh ingredients. You can get your chicken salad as a scoop, on bread (toasted if you want), or as a salad. Almost everything is gluten-free as long as you skip the bread.
The chain recently acquired a cake company, so expect a slice of cake on the counter too.
The vibe is relaxed — order at the counter, grab a seat, and your food is brought out to you. The dining room plays low-key music and the whole atmosphere is designed to feel like a comfortable gathering spot.
What's on the Menu
Apple Valley diners can look forward to a menu built around variety and freshness:
- 12+ unique chicken salad flavors, each made fresh daily
- Healthy side options to complement the main dishes
- Homemade soups — perfect for Minnesota winters
- A fast-casual experience that's a step above typical counter service
The brand leans into approachability. About 70% of their customer base is women, and the restaurants are designed with that demographic in mind — think bright, clean, and social.
The Opening Timeline
Boogerd has an architect on board and paperwork is being finalized. If everything stays on track, the goal is to open before Thanksgiving 2025.
The first 100 customers on opening day will get free chicken salad — a Chicken Salad Chick tradition at every new location.
Part of a Bigger Wave
Apple Valley's location isn't the only Chicken Salad Chick headed to the Twin Cities. Former Minnesota Timberwolves player Richard Coffey and his family have formed Core 5 Ventures and signed a 10-unit franchise area development agreement to bring Chicken Salad Chick locations to Hennepin County. Their first two filings are for Edina and Maple Grove.
Coffey's daughter Nia is currently in her ninth WNBA season, and the entire family is involved in the venture — making it one of the more unique franchise stories in the state.
Nationally, the chain opened 42 new locations in 2025 as part of record franchise growth, with plans to keep pushing into Midwest and Northeast markets in 2026. Apple Valley is right at the front of that wave.
The Cedar Avenue corridor continues to be a magnet for new development. Just down the road in Lakeville, the Marketplace at Cedar is bringing a wave of new commercial tenants including Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Veridian Credit Union.
Why Apple Valley?
The 14658 Cedar Ave location checked all the boxes: high visibility, solid parking, good interior space, and proximity to complementary businesses. For a first-time franchise owner, having a proven commercial corridor matters — and Cedar Avenue delivers.
We'll keep updating this post as the opening date gets closer. If you want to be first in line for that free chicken salad, keep your eyes on South Metro Scoop.
