Bull Chicks charged into North Texas with its first fast-casual restaurant last August in Denton. Expect up to nine locations by years end and about 15 before all is said and done.

We learned the Bull Chicks owners--Marti Reed, Mindy Schearer-Pfeil, and Janet Knight (at their Denton location)--are area developers and bought rights from the creator to franchise stores across North Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, parts of East Tennessee, and parts of Northwest Mississippi. In addition to the 1,800 SF Denton store, a stand-alone 3,000 SF drive-through opened in a former KFC in Cleburne this month, with three more under construction at Mockingbird and Harry Hines in Dallas; on North Galloway in Mesquite; and at Bowen and Park Row in Pantego. Marti says the idea is to test the concepts from drive-thru to delivery service and adapt the chain.

The trio is working with NAI Robert Lynn EVP Kornel Romada (whose favorite Bull Chicks foods are theavocado burger and potato salad) for its new locations. This isnt a chain that requires a particular mold, he says. Ideal location: around 2,000 to 3,000 SF with high visibility, stand-alone end-caps. Theyre exploring Weatherford, Denison, Durant, Carrollton, and the Fort Worth Medical District. The nine new stores this year will be in predominantly middle-class areas with high density and large daytime populations, Kornel says.

If you prefer the fly-thru to the drive-thru, the trio tells us theyre on a waiting list for DFW Airport and exploring locations at military bases, Oklahoma casinos, and in some entertainment venues like Billy Bob's and Gilleys.Marti says the food is priced so a family can afford it ($5.99 for a combo burger meal),and the menu includes something for everyone. The food is all homemade, including the buns (the Cleburne location is up to about 400 fresh buns made daily). Their favorites: Janet likes the avocado burger; Mindys pick is the waffle fries; and Marti digs the mushroom melt.