Chick N Max plans Springfield debut

A local Subway franchisee is planning to bring Wichita, Kansas-based Chick N Max to the Queen City.

Jason Kruse is the franchisee behind plans for three Chick N Max restaurants in the Springfield area, with the first expected to open by year's end, according to a news release.

“I can’t wait to open our first area restaurant and provide the community with a dining experience that will make their taste buds sing," Kruse said in the release.

Kruse, who has not yet signed any leases, is considering sites in Christian and Greene counties, according to the release. He brings experience as a 25-year veteran of the franchise industry, and he operates six Subway restaurants in the area.

Chick N Max, which has six restaurants in three states with an active pipeline of more than 50 planned eateries, is a fast-casual concept that serves almond wood smoked chicken and wings, sandwiches and fried chicken tenders.

"This marks yet another significant step in our growth," Chick N Max founder and CEO Max Sheets said in the release. "Anchored by our innovative take on chicken and an enthusiastic franchise partner like Jason Kruse, we’re perfectly positioned to accommodate the demands for alternatives to burgers and look to the future with great enthusiasm."

The financial terms of the Chick N Max's franchise deal with Kruse were not disclosed in the release. The company's franchise website points to an initial franchisee fee of $35,000, with an estimated initial investment of $410,500 to $997,500.