San Antonio, November 26, 2025
Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a popular Texas restaurant chain, is expanding its reach by opening a new location in San Antonio by 2026. This is part of a larger initiative to introduce up to 44 new restaurants across Texas. The new venue will feature Layne’s renowned chicken tenders and other offerings along the State Highway 46 corridor, a bustling area for new brands. Construction begins in December 2025, aiming to boost the local culinary scene.
San Antonio, Texas
Layne’s Chicken Fingers Expands into San Antonio
Layne’s Chicken Fingers, a Texas-born restaurant chain founded in College Station, is set to open its first San Antonio location in 2026. This expansion is part of a broader plan to introduce up to 44 new restaurants across Texas, including West Texas, San Antonio, and the Coastal Bend. The San Antonio location will be situated along the State Highway 46 corridor, a rapidly developing area attracting national and regional brands. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with completion expected by May 2026. The new restaurant will offer Layne’s signature chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, and in-house sauces.
Expansion Details
The expansion agreement between Layne’s Chicken Fingers and Lubbock-based C5 Restaurants aims to bring the brand to multiple West Texas cities, including San Angelo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Amarillo, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, San Antonio, and Uvalde. Two San Antonio locations and at least two in Lubbock are already planned. Individual sites for the remaining cities have not yet been announced. The first new Layne’s locations under this agreement are expected to open in 2026, with additional expansions already in development, projecting between 50 and 55 openings in 2026 alone.
Background
Founded in 1994, Layne’s Chicken Fingers specializes in chicken tenders, Texas toast, in-house sauces, gravy, and milkshakes. The brand emphasizes product quality and rapid service, distinguishing itself in the premium chicken tender market. The expansion into San Antonio marks a significant milestone in Layne’s growth strategy, aiming to establish a strong presence in major Texas markets.
Related Developments in San Antonio’s Dining Scene
San Antonio’s dining landscape continues to evolve with several notable additions:
- Urban Bird Hot Chicken opened its first San Antonio location on September 3, 2025, at 22106 US 281 N, Suite 102, offering Nashville-style hot chicken.
- Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia expanded with a new 7,000-square-foot restaurant at 849 E. Commerce St., adjacent to the Shops at Rivercenter, featuring a 1,200-square-foot patio and seating for 250 guests.
- Famous Toastery, a Southern brunch chain, announced its Texas debut in mid-2026 at The Shops at Babcock, 15301 Babcock Rd., offering a menu focused on brunch items like “Blah Blah Blah” omelets and flavored flapjacks.
These developments reflect the dynamic growth and diversification of San Antonio’s culinary offerings, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Layne’s Chicken Fingers opening its first San Antonio location?
Layne’s Chicken Fingers is scheduled to open its first San Antonio location in 2026, with construction beginning in December 2025 and completion expected by May 2026.
What is the menu at Layne’s Chicken Fingers?
Layne’s Chicken Fingers specializes in chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, and in-house sauces, emphasizing product quality and rapid service.
What other new restaurants are opening in San Antonio?
San Antonio is welcoming several new dining establishments, including Urban Bird Hot Chicken, Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia, and Famous Toastery, each offering unique culinary experiences.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Dining Expansion
| Restaurant | Location | Opening Date | Menu Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layne’s Chicken Fingers | San Antonio, TX | 2026 | Chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, in-house sauces |
| Urban Bird Hot Chicken | San Antonio, TX | September 3, 2025 | Nashville-style hot chicken |
| Alamo Biscuit Co. & Panaderia | San Antonio, TX | March 2025 | Biscuits, brunch items, 1,200-square-foot patio |
| Famous Toastery | San Antonio, TX | Mid-2026 | Brunch-focused menu, “Blah Blah Blah” omelets, flavored flapjacks |
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Layne’s Chicken Fingers Expands with New Locations in Lubbock
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
