Connect with us

Food and Beverage

Chicken Salad Chick Heads to Las Vegas with Six-Unit Nevada Deal, Signaling Southwest Expansion

Published

on

Chicken Salad Chick is officially heading to Nevada.

The fast-casual concept announced a six-unit franchise development agreement that will bring the brand’s first-ever Nevada locations to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The move marks a new milestone in Chicken Salad Chick’s push beyond the Southeast—and a clear signal that the brand is serious about building momentum in the Southwest.

Who’s bringing Chicken Salad Chick to Las Vegas

The development is being led by Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, a husband-and-wife team and longtime Las Vegas residents whose professional backgrounds span hospitality, marketing, and education.

Chicken Salad Chick is entering Nevada with a six-unit development agreement in the Las Vegas metro area, led by local operators Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba as the brand pushes deeper into the Southwest.
Exterior of Chicken Salad Chick Restaurant

Mark Rubalcaba brings leadership experience in hospitality and gaming, including roles with MGM Resorts International and BetMGM. Cayla Rubalcaba completed hospitality training through MGM Resorts’ Management Associate Program and also spent five years as a biological science teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School.

They’re joined in the venture by Cayla’s father, Anton Nikodemus, a seasoned hospitality executive who will serve as a strategic partner supporting the group’s long-term development efforts.

A personal connection to the brand

The Rubalcabas say their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at Auburn University, where they first experienced the brand and developed a lasting appreciation for its hospitality and culture of service.

“Our long-term goal is to help Chicken Salad Chick thrive in Las Vegas while contributing to the brand’s continued growth nationwide,” Mark Rubalcaba said, adding that the group is focused on building a business that reflects the brand’s values—bringing people together, fostering community, and becoming a lasting staple in the Las Vegas Valley.

“We fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick during our time at Auburn, and it’s always felt like more than just a restaurant,” Cayla Rubalcaba said. “Having the opportunity to bring a brand that means so much to us to our hometown is incredibly meaningful.”

Why Nevada matters in Chicken Salad Chick’s growth strategy

Chicken Salad Chick framed the Nevada agreement as part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at high-growth Western markets.

The company notes that Nevada was one of five new states opened for development in 2025, alongside Arizona, New Jersey, New York, and Utah. Notably, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah are all in the Southwest—underscoring a focused push into the region.

“The Southwest represents one of the most exciting growth regions for our brand,” said Mark Verges, Vice President of Franchise Development at Chicken Salad Chick, calling the Nevada entry a key milestone in the brand’s westward development strategy.

Advertisement
Reveal Your Skin's Youthful Radiance with FOREO's LUNA 2 Facial Massager. Shop Now For $199

A fast-growing franchise system

Chicken Salad Chick says it continues to build momentum nationally. In what it described as a record-breaking 2025, the brand reported awarding nearly 100 new restaurant deals and celebrating 42 openings across 13 states, with dozens of additional locations in development.

The company also pointed to multiple industry recognitions, including being named one of QSR Magazine’s Best Franchise Deals for four years and ranking No. 3 in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers.

What Chicken Salad Chick serves

For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, Chicken Salad Chick serves Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch, with more than a dozen flavor options, plus fresh sides, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches, and desserts.

Learn more

For franchising information, visit chickensaladchick.com/franchising.

Source: PRNewswire

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Authors


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading
Advertisement Simply Wholesale
Click to comment

Tell us what did you think about this article?

Recipe of the Week

Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast

The Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes bring joy to post-Easter gatherings with a moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful chocolate candies. The recipe, requiring a 30-minute prep and 15-minute cook time, offers a treat for chocolate lovers. For more dessert ideas, visit Culinary.net.

Published

on

Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast

(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.

To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers – and all your loved ones – visit Culinary.net.

17796 EasterCupcakes detail embed1

Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes

Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Cupcakes:

  • 1          cup all-purpose flour
  • 1          cup sugar
  • 1/3       cup cocoa powder
  • 1          teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1          egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2       cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2       cup hot water
  • 1/4       cup vegetable oil
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 3          sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
  • 3          cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3       tablespoons milk
  • 1          teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1          pinch salt
  • 2-3       drops brown food coloring
  •             egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies
  1. To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
  5. Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
  6. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
  7. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
  8. To make frosting: Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
  9. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

    collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
track

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Food and Beverage

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

Published

on

Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

17436 VID Roasted Tomato Soup Detail Intro Image

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

(Family Features) On those unpredictably chilly spring days, you may long for a warming meal. Try this Roasted Tomato Soup for an easy, savory option that pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich then find more delicious soup recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17436 VID Roasted Tomato Soup detail Image Embed Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
  • 3          pounds tomatoes
  • 1/2       onion (optional)
  • 1          garlic bulb (optional)
  • 1          tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2          teaspoons onion powder
  • 1          tablespoon sugar
  • 1          tablespoon mesquite seasoning
  • avocado oil
  • 1 1/2    cups broth of choice
  • 1          cup heavy whipping cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • grilled cheese sandwiches, for serving (optional)
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. Slice tomatoes. Slice onions and garlic, if desired. Place in baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, sugar and mesquite seasoning over tomatoes. Drizzle avocado oil over top and mix well.
  4. Bake about 1 hour. Blend until smooth.
  5. Pour into pot and mix in broth and whipping cream. Bring to simmer and add salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches, if desired.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net

Author


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

recipes

Where Heritage Meets Health: Connecting Culture and Nutrition to Fight Diabetes

Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.

Published

on

Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.

(Feature Impact) Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.

With Hispanic adults 66% more likely to have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Avocados From Mexico is committed to providing culturally relevant, empowering resources. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and chef Pati Jinich, the No. 1-selling avocado brand in the U.S. is showcasing the vibrant intersection of nutritious food and rich family traditions with a special collection of recipes.

“I grew up in a Mexican household where food was our love language – but there was also stigma and very little guidance around diabetes,” Jinich said. “When my aunt, and later my mom, were diagnosed, it took time to understand what healthy eating could look like for them. That’s why this partnership means so much to me. Our culture and our food are not the problem – they’re part of the solution. Traditional ingredients like avocados can deliver both flavor and wellness, while giving families the resources mine didn’t have. That’s incredibly meaningful.”

Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole. Created to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic community, this recipe is powered by the good fats and zero-sugar goodness of Avocados From Mexico.

While honoring heritage and health, you don’t have to sacrifice the flavors your family loves. The heart of Hispanic culture – its food – can also be the key to a healthier future.

To take the 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and find more diabetes-friendly recipes, which each meet the nutritional guidelines of the ADA, visit avocadosfrommexico.com/health.

17849 detail embed2

Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of Pati Jinich on behalf of Avocados From Mexico

Servings: 8

Chicken:

  • 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1          tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  •             corn or safflower oil

Corn Guacamole:

  • 1          jalapeno chile, roasted and chopped, or to taste
  • 2          garlic cloves, skin on
  • 2          large ripe Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and diced
  • 3/4       cup corn kernels shaved from corn, or cooked from thawed
  • 3/4       cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or chopped
  • 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4       teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste

Tacos:

  • 16        corn tortillas
  1. To make chicken: In bowl, mix lime juice with olive oil, salt, ground pepper and rosemary. Pour on top of chicken in container. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  2. Heat medium-sized saute or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn or safflower oil; once hot but not smoking, add chicken. Saute until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan; place on chopping board to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice into diagonal strips about 1/2-inch wide.
  3. To make corn guacamole: Place jalapeno and garlic cloves in small baking dish under broiler 6-9 minutes, or until completely cooked through, soft and skin is charred. Once cool enough to handle, peel garlic and mince along with chiles.
  4. Place diced avocado in mixing bowl. Add charred and minced garlic and jalapenos, gently tossing together. Incorporate corn and tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice on top and sprinkle with salt. Mix together.
  5. To assemble tacos: In hot skillet or comal set over medium-low heat, heat tortillas about 1 minute per side.
  6. Place tortillas in tortilla warmer or wrap in clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin. Serve with guacamole and chicken.
   

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
track

SOURCE:

Avocados From Mexico

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Advertisement
Reveal Your Skin's Youthful Radiance with FOREO's LUNA 2 Facial Massager. Shop Now For $199

Author


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

Trending