Another chicken sandwich chain plans to spread its wings across the greater Houston area. Chick N Max has signed an area development agreement with Aaron Johnson that could bring as many as 25 locations to Houston.

The roll out will start slowing with three locations in the next 18 to 24 months, according to a release. Johnson has signed his first lease in Willis, a town north of Conroe, and plans to find franchisees for other areas of the metropolitan area. The restaurant industry veteran brings executive experience from Bennigan’s, Smashburger, and MOD Pizza.

“While researching several brands in the chicken sandwich space, I knew I wanted to partner with the one I felt had the strongest flavor profile. After my first bite of a Chick N Max sandwich during a visit to Wichita, I was sold,” Johnson said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to grow the brand in Houston, which I call home, gives me great pride.”

Founded in 2017 by Max Sheets, Chick N Max is a Wichita, Kansas-based restaurant that serves both almond wood-smoked smoked chicken and fried chicken tenders as plates, salads, and sandwiches. Popular items include a smoked chicken sandwich with buttermilk-garlic sauce and bread and butter pickles, Sriracha hot honey chicken tender sandwich, and waffles topped with popcorn chicken.

Pair them with sides such as french fries, onion rings, smoked white beans, and deviled egg potato salad. Tenders can be tossed in six sauces such as barbecue, Buffalo, and jalapeño-lime.

“The signing of this agreement represents yet another significant step in the growth of Chick N Max as we continue to drive our expansion efforts across the Central and Southeastern United States,” Sheets said. “Anchored by our innovative take on chicken sandwiches and an enthusiastic partner like Aaron Johnson, we’re perfectly positioned to accommodate the demands for healthier alternatives to burgers and look to the future with great enthusiasm.”

Chick N Max is one of several chicken chains looking to Houston for opportunities. California-based Dave’s Hot Chicken has opened five Houston-area locations, and Fort Worth-based The Cookshack has four of its own. Later this fall, California’s Daddy’s Chicken Shack will arrive in the Heights, and Shaquille O’Neal will bring the first local outpost of his Big Chicken chain to the Westchase District.