Franchise efforts include a condensed, prototype restaurant design.
By Andrew Carlo
Huey Magoo’s, a franchise specializing in chicken tenders, announced that it is on the brink of a milestone.
The brand said it is known for serving “the filet mignon of chicken’ and is closing in on the opening of its 100th location in 2026. Huey Magoo’s currently has locations in 12 states.
During the fourth quarter, Huey Magoo’s saw openings in Tupelo, Mississippi.; Cornelia, Jesup, and Macon, Georgia; Brookline, Missouri; and Jacksonville, Florida. Three additional locations are slated to open before the end of 2026.Franchise sales activity has included agreements finalized in Ashburn, Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. Altogether, Huey Magoo’s said it has about 200 franchise restaurants signed up for development nationwide.
Recent franchise efforts have included the debut of a condensed 1,500-square-foot prototype designed to lower buildout costs, accelerate development timelines, and provide a more economical pathway for franchisees to invest in the brand’s growth. The smaller format creates access to prime high-traffic retail centers, improves operational efficiency, and maintains the full Huey Magoo’s experience, the company said.
In October, Huey Magoo’s introduced Grilled Tender Bites, a new core menu item made from the best three percent of the chicken, the tenderloin. This past year, the brand also introduced its Magoo’s Rewards program, including a mobile app.
“This has been an incredible year for Huey Magoo’s,” said Andy Howard, president and CEO of Huey Magoo’s. “We brought exciting new menu additions to life, expanded into key markets and saw remarkable engagement from our guests. Most importantly, we continued strengthening our franchise-first culture. Our franchise partners are the heart of this brand, and our team is focused every day on supporting their success. With our 100th store on the horizon and new states joining the Huey Magoo’s family, we are more confident than ever in the future of this brand and the people who are driving it forward.”
Store openings scheduled for early 2026 include entry into new states with restaurants planned for Laredo and Brownsville in Texas and St. George in Utah. Additional growth features two new Hialeah stores that advance the brand’s Miami expansion, as well as a second Las Vegas location at Suncoast Casino.
Franchise information for Huey Magoo’s can be found at https://hueymagoos.com/franchising/.
