The H‑E‑B parking lot at Fry and Tuckerton turned into a fried chicken block party this weekend as Layne’s Chicken Fingers quietly slid into a former Zaxby’s and fired up the fryers.
The Texas‑born chain officially opened its newest Houston‑area restaurant at 9850 Fry Road on July 18, following a midweek soft opening and a hiring push that brought more than 30 new jobs to Cypress. Early birds walked away with more than just lunch, thanks to a high‑profile free‑chicken promotion that helped kick off the brand’s latest Houston expansion.
Grand Opening Crowd Chases A Year Of Free Chicken
Layne’s turned the July 18 debut into an event, promising that the first 50 dine‑in guests at the Cypress store would snag free Layne’s for a year, according to PR Newswire. The opening was billed as part of the chain’s broader Texas push as it stretches well beyond its College Station roots.
Former Zaxby’s Site Lands A New Fryer In Town
Local operator Masroor Fatany told Community Impact that “we've had our eyes on this location since last year.” The restaurant takes over the old Zaxby’s spot in the H‑E‑B parking lot, parked next to a Wendy’s and across from Lifetime Fitness. Fatany said the opening created more than 30 jobs for Cypress residents, giving the busy corner a fresh batch of fast‑casual competition.
What’s On The Menu
According to Layne's Chicken Fingers, the brand builds its menu around marinated tenderloin chicken that is hand‑breaded and paired with daily scratch‑made sauces, including honey mustard, jalapeño ranch, Layne sauce and gravy. Layne’s traces its origins to College Station in 1994 and now lists roughly 50 locations on its company site.
Layne’s Goes Big On Houston
CEO Garrett Reed is not exactly thinking small. He told Community Impact that the company plans to open about one Layne’s location per week for the rest of the year, with a target of roughly 60 to 65 restaurants in the Houston area alone. As it expands, Reed said the chain will lean into local partnerships and school spirit nights, with Magnolia already next up on the list.
