WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - A Wichita-based chicken restaurant is headed to the southeast United States for its next wave of expansion, the company said Friday. The franchise is specifically looking to enter various major to mid-level markets across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“The Southeast boasts a well-established fast-casual chicken restaurant market, and we’re aiming to establish a strong presence of our own and capture market share,” said Chick N Max’s Vice President of Franchise Sales and Development, Jeff Frahm. “Our focus will be on identifying high-potential areas that are currently underserved or have room for additional options.”

Chick N Max currently has seven restaurants open and operating across Kansas, Texas and South Dakota, four of those locations in Wichita.

The expansion will be driven by a new prototype that features an evolved look, feel, and size, the company says.

Each restaurant will occupy approximately 2,100 square feet of space and include indoor and outdoor seating for about 60-80 customers. The format will also cater to off-premise sales with a drive-thru, designated curbside pick-up parking spaces, and a take-out counter. In addition, the prototype will feature an enhanced digitized experience – including digital menu boards and GPS-enabled curbside pick-up, all integrated with the company’s dynamic and versatile mobile app, according to a release.

“Our made-from-scratch menu has something for everyone, with options for those looking to indulge to guests looking for a healthier take on traditional fast-casual chicken offerings,” said Frahm. “We’re thrilled to be one of the more exciting emerging restaurant brands in the country and can’t wait to introduce our legendary sandwiches, crispy tenders, smoked wings, and more to the Southeast.”