Bringing a Southern Favorite to Fort Worth 

Most people couldn’t see the vision John and Meggie Schissler had when they set out to open Texas’s first Chicken Salad Chick in 2016. A whole restaurant dedicated to chicken salad? Now, 10 years later, Fort Worth has fallen in love with a concept that offers 13 flavors of chicken salad made fresh daily. 

As they celebrate their 10th anniversary as members of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Schisslers reflect on how their journey was made possible in part by the steady, encouraging presence of the Chamber along the way. 

Growing with the Chamber 

In 2014, while Meggie was on the marketing team at Chicken Salad Chick’s corporate office in Auburn, Alabama, she dreamed of moving back to Fort Worth someday—as any true Texas girl does. She and her entrepreneur husband, John, successfully pitched the brand’s founders on trusting them to pioneer this beloved Southern concept in Texas. 

Meggie witnessed firsthand the excitement and loyalty this unique brand inspired, but introducing Chicken Salad Chick to an entirely new market was still a risk. That’s where the Fort Worth Chamber came in. 

While waiting for construction to be completed on their first location in Alliance, John and Meggie joined the Chamber and immersed themselves in events and networking opportunities. They were overwhelmed by the encouragement, support, and enthusiasm from fellow members and staff—support that has continued through the inevitable ups and downs of small business and restaurant ownership. 

Several Chamber members even attended the grand opening of their Montgomery Plaza location, which opened its doors in March 2020—the day after dining rooms closed across Texas. 

Today, with three Fort Worth locations (for now!) and several more nearby, the Schisslers remain passionate about serving this growing community. 

Serving Community First 

“It’s truly been a privilege to serve the wonderful people of Fort Worth in our restaurants’ dining rooms, as well as in schools, offices, churches, and countless other places in this community we call home,” said Meggie. “We’re proud to serve fresh, delicious food, but at the end of the day, we’re in the people business. The Fort Worth Chamber has been instrumental in providing ways for us to stay connected and grow relationships in this amazing city.” 

Chicken Salad Chick stands proudly as the nation’s only fast-casual restaurant concept dedicated exclusively to freshly made chicken salad, offering more than a dozen flavors along with sandwiches, fresh sides, gourmet soups, and desserts. With an easy catering menu and convenient grab-and-go options, each restaurant delivers fresh fare and gracious hospitality to the Fort Worth community and beyond.