Genesis BBQ expands its US fried chicken market to 33 states

BBQ Chicken's Indian Land location in South Carolina bustles with customers in this October photo. Courtesy of Genesis BBQ

Major fried chicken franchise Genesis BBQ has expanded into its 33rd U.S. state with the opening of a new store in South Carolina.

Its latest expansion underscores the company’s continued growth across the southeastern United States. The move is part of the company’s broader initiative to establish a presence in all 50 states.

Two BBQ stores have opened in South Carolina — one in Indian Land and another in Greenville. BBQ Chicken's Indian Land location is a 39.66-square-meter restaurant with 12 seats. Located near the border between North and South Carolina, the site is strategically positioned to attract customers from both states, according to the company.

BBQ Chicken's Greenville location is a takeout-only store situated near Greenville Downtown Airport and Bob Jones University, an area with heavy foot traffic.

BBQ said it selected South Carolina for its new locations because of the stable economy and strong population base. The state’s population reached 5.47 million last year, up 90,000 from the previous year — the 10th-highest growth rate among U.S. states in 2024. The average resident in their 40s, and the median household income exceeds $60,000, a level the company described as conducive to sustainable consumption.

The company also cited the International Franchise Association’s 2024 Franchising Economic Outlook study, which projected South Carolina will have the fifth-highest franchise growth in the U.S. this year. The report forecast 1,205 new franchise stores, the creation of 215,000 new jobs and $19.5 billion in total economic output, BBQ added.

Starting from its first U.S. location in New York City, BBQ has expanded its network to New Jersey, Texas and California. Last year, the company added new outlets in Tennessee, Nebraska, Arkansas and Indiana, followed this year by Utah, Oregon and South Carolina.

“South Carolina showed clear signs of franchise industry growth and has become a hub for our market expansion across the southeastern United States,” a BBQ official said.