American fast-casual restaurant chain Chicken Salad Chick plans to open its first New Mexico location on 23 April 2024.

The 3,200ft² restaurant in Albuquerque will feature a private dining room with a seating capacity for up to 24 guests and will create 50 jobs.

The location will be available for business, non-profit or private events.

As part of the store opening celebrations, Chicken Salad Chick will offer the first 100 guests free chicken salad for a year.

Franchise owners Jennifer Sanchez and Keith Murray intend to further expand Chicken Salad Chick's presence in New Mexico.

Sanchez said: “Keith and I fell in love with Chicken Salad Chick - the food, the culture, the brand. I had the privilege of working for the Chicken Salad Chick support centre as an executive for the past two years and wanted to bring all that Chicken Salad Chick has to offer to my hometown of Albuquerque.

“We are excited to bring the local taste of Bueno Green Chile to our community to enjoy with their chicken salad.”

Earlier this month, Chicken Salad Chick announced that it will open its first company-owned restaurant location in South Carolina.

Set to open on 24 April 2024, the new venue is located at 4087 Julep Way in Aiken and will offer a drive-through service.