Veteran restaurateur and certified tax accountant Doug McGuire is making a bold move into the fast-growing world of chicken franchising. Known for operating eight successful Arby’s locations in Ohio, McGuire has now signed a 22-unit development deal with Layne’s Chicken Fingers—a Texas-based brand that’s quickly rising in the competitive fried chicken segment.

As the founder of Northstar Restaurant Group, McGuire has a strong track record in multi-unit franchise operations. He also owns three H&R Block tax offices, which he cleverly uses to support his restaurant ventures during the off-season. “The tax business is seasonal, so we retain our top people by engaging them in restaurant finance and strategy during the quieter months,” McGuire explained.

Why Layne’s Chicken Fingers?

After recognizing that the Ohio market was saturated with Arby’s locations and presented limited room for further growth, McGuire began researching new food franchise categories. Chicken quickly stood out.

“We evaluated multiple chicken brands,” he said. “Layne’s stood out for its operational simplicity, strong branding appeal to younger demographics, and the ability to scale smartly.”

Layne’s Chicken Fingers was founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, and has built a loyal following with its crispy chicken fingers, secret sauce, and southern-style simplicity. Now based in Frisco, Texas, the brand is aggressively expanding its national footprint through strategic franchise partnerships.

With McGuire’s 22-unit agreement, Layne’s has now signed 50 new units across five franchise deals in 2025 alone, including a 25-unit deal with a seasoned Whataburger franchisee. These expansions are set to bring the brand into new territories like Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, where McGuire is slated to begin opening restaurants in 2026.

Franchise Plans and Financial Outlook

McGuire plans to roll out 2 to 3 Layne’s locations per year, each approximately 2,400 square feet with indoor seating and a robust drive-thru focus. Drawing on his experience managing Arby’s drive-thru-heavy operations, McGuire sees Layne’s as a perfect match for customers who want quick service without sacrificing quality.

Layne’s franchise investment costs range from $451,500 to $1.1 million, and its average unit volumes (AUVs) approach $2 million—making it an attractive option for experienced franchise operators and newcomers alike. “The only thing holding Layne’s back is brand recognition. Once people try it, they’re hooked. We’re excited to introduce it to Ohio,” McGuire added.

Looking Ahead

McGuire’s long-term vision includes growing the Layne’s brand while continuing to operate his existing Arby’s and H&R Block locations. With five children potentially interested in the business, the Northstar Restaurant Group might become a second-generation franchise powerhouse.

Explore Your Chicken Franchise Opportunities
For tailored guidance on pursuing a Layne’s Chicken Fingers franchise or exploring other high-potential chicken franchise options, visit ChickenFranchiseMaster.com — powered by Star Brands Consulting Group.

We connect aspiring entrepreneurs and investors with:
✅ Top-performing chicken franchise brands
✅ Valuable market insights and trend reports
✅ Step-by-step franchise advisory and planning
✅ Hands-on support to make confident investment decisions

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your portfolio, we help you navigate the global chicken franchise landscape with clarity and confidence.

👉 Start your franchise journey today at ChickenFranchiseMaster.com — your gateway to global chicken franchise success.