By Jenna Frisby | Staff Writer
College students are always in search of one thing, food. In a small town like Waco, the food options can get extremely repetitive. Especially for those students looking for healthier alternatives to fast food, the options are slim.
Chicken Salad Chick (CSC) offers a solution for hungry college students who wish to dine on a budget. With 12 types of chicken salad to choose from, you can find a flavor that suits your taste buds. The menu offers a diverse sampling of flavors, including traditional, fruity, savory or spicy depending on your preference.
Austin Young is the owner of the Waco location. He started working in the restaurant business when he was 15 years old and worked his way up to managing a Zaxby’s. After attending college at Georgia Southern University, he followed in his family’s footsteps by owning his own business.
Young emphasized the importance of the college-town markets. Since Waco is a medium-sized market, it creates the opportunity for financial growth. He also said that the restaurant’s location was strategized to target both the Waco locals as well as the Baylor community.
CSC stands out among competitors because of its lighter and healthier menu options, Young said. Its location at 1509 Hewitt Drive is also near recognizable and somewhat unhealthy fast-food chains. For example, the chicken salad scoops range from 340 to 460 calories per serving, which makes for a healthy lunch option. The healthy array of sides includes broccoli salad, grape salad and fresh fruit. Light salads and soups are also available for purchase for an even lighter lunch option. All of the chicken salad scoops are gluten-free, and the menu contains vegan-friendly side options as well. See their menu here.
Another unique addition to this branch is the drive-thru convenience. Most CSCs don’t have a drive-thru, which only adds to the value of the Waco location.
The Waco location had its grand opening on Dec. 16 and business has been exploding ever since.
“Business has been insane. In just a month business hasn’t dropped off and we’ve received eye-opening feedback, ” Young said.
He explained how it was a risk to open late in the year near Christmas, especially with COVID-19.
“Opening so close to Christmas was unpredictable,” Young said.
Another key appeal of CSC is their catering. Their catering menu offers all of the beloved chicken salad flavors, perfect for large events or parties. Their catering options feed groups of all sizes and is a unique alternative to traditional lunch options.
In just one month, CSC has proven it’s ability to stand out as it entered the Waco restaurant scene. Only the future can tell if it will be able to fly. The Chicken Salad Chick’s physical location is on 1509 Hewitt Drive, and is open Monday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
