New Chicken Restaurant Headed to Apple Valley's 'Chicken Alley' as Chicken Salad Chick Announces Minnesota Debut
Published: July 15, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MN: Apple Valley's unofficial "Chicken Alley" is about to get another feather in its cap.
Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast-casual restaurant concept dedicated exclusively to chicken salad, has announced it will open its first-ever Minnesota location in Apple Valley later this month, adding another chicken-focused restaurant to the already crowded Cedar Avenue dining corridor, which we have jokingly dubbed "Chicken Alley."
The new restaurant will open Tuesday, July 28, at 14658 Cedar Avenue in the Cedar Marketplace shopping center [in the former Flooring Expo by Carpet King building next to Buffalo Wild Wings and Five Guys].
The opening marks a significant milestone for the Atlanta-based chain, expanding its footprint into Minnesota as its 24th state. The company now operates more than 340 locations nationwide.
Location of the new Chicken Salad Chick in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
Grand Opening Celebration
To celebrate the restaurant's debut, Chicken Salad Chick is offering several giveaways throughout opening week, highlighted by a chance for customers to win free chicken salad for an entire year.
On Tuesday, July 28, the first guest in line when doors open at 10:30 a.m. will receive one free large Quick Chick chicken salad every week for a year. The next 99 guests in line will receive one free large Quick Chick each month for a year.
Additional grand opening promotions include:
July 28: First 50 guests at 5 p.m. receive a free Chick Stadium Cup.
July 29: First 25 guests at both 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. who purchase a meal with two sides receive a free 16-ounce Chick Tumbler.
July 30: First 25 qualifying guests receive a free 40-ounce Chick Tumbler.
July 31: First 25 qualifying guests receive a free 20-ounce Chick Tumbler.
Aug. 1: The first 25 guests who purchase two large Quick Chicks receive a free Chick Small Teal Cooler.
Guests hoping to qualify for the "Free Chicken Salad for a Year" promotion are encouraged to arrive early, remain in line, and download the Chicken Salad Chick mobile app.
Grand Opening Giveaway Rules
Chicken Salad Chick noted that guests hoping to participate in the grand opening giveaways should arrive early, as quantities are limited and promotions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For the "Free Chicken Salad for a Year" promotion, the first 100 guests in line at 10:30 a.m. must remain in line, make a qualifying purchase, download the Chicken Salad Chick mobile app, and enter the required code to secure their reward. Guests who leave the line for any reason will forfeit their place. Participants must be 16 years of age or older, and rewards cannot be combined with other offers.
The giveaways scheduled for July 29 through Aug. 1 are also limited to guests 16 and older, require qualifying purchases, are limited to one reward per guest, are valid for in-restaurant purchases only, and cannot be combined with other offers.
For complete giveaway details, eligibility requirements, and official rules, guests should visit the Apple Valley Chicken Salad Chick Facebook page or the company's website before attending.
Apple Valley Owners Bringing the Brand Home
The Apple Valley restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife team Mike and Mandi Boogerd, longtime Apple Valley residents who have called the community home for the past 23 years.
Before opening the restaurant, Mike Boogerd worked as a product owner for Optum, while Mandi spent her career in special education helping students.
According to the couple, their interest in the franchise began after visiting a Chicken Salad Chick restaurant in Chicago last year.
"Mandi and I are excited to open the very first Chicken Salad Chick restaurant in Minnesota," Mike Boogerd said. "When we tried Chicken Salad Chick in Chicago last year, we were instantly hooked. Not only did the brand have such a unique product, but we recognized an opportunity to introduce something new and exciting to our fellow Minnesotans. We believe The Chick's menu will resonate here and look forward to serving the Apple Valley community soon!"
The Boogerds say they hope to build more than just a restaurant, continuing their long-standing involvement in community events and local food banks while creating a business focused on giving back.
Community Focus
Ahead of the grand opening, the restaurant will host Friends & Family events benefiting the Messiah Community Food Shelf, which provides emergency food assistance to Dakota County residents through Messiah Lutheran Church and 360 Communities.
The charitable effort aligns with Chicken Salad Chick's broader community mission through the CSC Foundation, which supports local food banks and childhood cancer initiatives.
What to Expect on the Menu
Unlike traditional chicken restaurants that focus on fried or grilled chicken, Chicken Salad Chick specializes in made-from-scratch chicken salad with more than a dozen signature flavors.
The menu also includes:
Fresh side dishes
Gourmet soups
Sandwiches
Desserts
Catering options
The Apple Valley location will offer dine-in seating, an outdoor patio, takeout, third-party delivery, and catering services.
Another Addition to 'Chicken Alley'
For many south metro residents, Cedar Avenue has earned the tongue-in-cheek nickname "Chicken Alley" thanks to its growing concentration of chicken restaurants. With several national chains already clustered along the corridor, Chicken Salad Chick becomes the latest addition, though it offers a different take on chicken than the fried and grilled options many diners have come to expect.
Rather than competing directly with traditional chicken chains, Chicken Salad Chick is introducing a niche concept centered entirely around Southern-style chicken salad, giving local diners another option in what has become one of Apple Valley's busiest restaurant corridors.
The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Written By: Will Wight
