Larissa Ortiz Palatiere, CFE: A Trailblazer in Franchise Development

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Larissa Ortiz Palatiere, a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), stands as a dynamic leader with a rich history in the restaurant industry. With a demonstrated track record in sales, event management, team building, public speaking, and overall management, Larissa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Director of Franchise Development. Currently associated with Chicken Salad Chick, she has played pivotal roles in various organizations, contributing significantly to their growth and success.

Professional Journey with Chicken Salad Chick:

Larissa commenced her journey with Chicken Salad Chick in July 2018, stepping into the role of Director of Franchise Development. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Chicken Salad Chick is a unique fast-casual restaurant concept founded in 2008. The brand’s mission revolves around spreading joy, enriching lives, and serving others. With a focus on delivering Southern Style Chicken Salad Served from the Heart, Chicken Salad Chick has rapidly expanded through the Southeast.

In her role, Larissa orchestrates franchise development activities, aligning with the brand’s purpose. The concept stands out in the fast-casual space by specializing in fresh, house-made chicken salad, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for customers. Approximately 75% of Chicken Salad Chick locations are franchised, highlighting the success of the franchise model under Larissa’s leadership.

Under Larissa’s guidance, Chicken Salad Chick has continued to thrive, providing a neighborhood restaurant experience with a diverse menu of fresh, house-made chicken salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts. Larissa ensures that the unique Chick culture is maintained, making franchise ownership a rewarding and supportive experience.

Franchising with Chicken Salad Chick:

One of Larissa’s key responsibilities is to drive franchise development for Chicken Salad Chick. The brand actively invites entrepreneurs to “Join the Chick Family,” presenting itself as a healthy, fast-casual restaurant with Southern flair. Larissa and her team offer franchise opportunities, extending the brand’s footprint to new communities. The emphasis on Southern hospitality and high-quality offerings has been a cornerstone of Chicken Salad Chick’s success, and Larissa plays a crucial role in maintaining these standards.

Contributions to Women’s Franchise Network DFW:

In addition to her role at Chicken Salad Chick, Larissa serves as the Co-Chairwoman for the Women’s Franchise Network DFW. This full-time commitment, starting from August 2022, reflects Larissa’s dedication to fostering relationships among women franchising professionals. The network aims to address industry-related issues, facilitate idea-sharing, and offer solutions to challenges in the franchising landscape. Larissa’s involvement underscores her commitment to supporting and empowering women in the franchising sector.

Director of Franchise Development at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.:

Before her tenure with Chicken Salad Chick, Larissa made significant contributions as the Director of Franchise Development at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Based in Dallas, Texas, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit boasts over 75 years of operational expertise and 25 years of franchise growth. Larissa’s role involved international development, including markets in China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE.

Larissa played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the international process, covering aspects such as qualification screening, market research, competitor analysis, negotiations, and Letters of Intent (LOIs). Her responsibilities also extended to franchise development in traditional and non-traditional venues domestically. This included establishing relationships with current Owner/Operators and prospective franchisees, working closely with the real estate department, and perfecting business development standards.

Educational Background and Certification:

Larissa Ortiz Palatiere pursued her education at the University of North Texas, where she gained valuable insights that laid the foundation for her professional journey.

As a testament to her commitment to professional development, Larissa earned the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation in June 2021. This certification, issued by the International Franchise Association (IFA), reflects Larissa’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in franchising.

Larissa Ortiz Palatiere, with her extensive experience, strategic leadership, and commitment to industry excellence, stands as a trailblazer in the field of franchise development. Her roles at Chicken Salad Chick, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., and contributions to the Women’s Franchise Network DFW showcase her multifaceted expertise and dedication to the growth and success of the franchise industry.

As a Certified Franchise Executive, Larissa continues to inspire and lead, leaving an indelible mark on the organizations she serves and contributing to the broader franchising community.