Hello A-J readers!
This week we had a bank official retiring, a popular chicken restaurant expanding hours, and another chicken restaurant wanting to open in Lubbock. Here are this week’s business highlights, and a new best bite.
South Plains Financial Inc., the parent company of City Bank, announced that Curtis Griffith, chairman and CEO, will retire on Dec. 31, 2026. The board of directors appointed Cory Newsom, director and president, as the upcoming CEO.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of building South Plains over more than four decades,” Griffith said in the statement. “What I am most proud of is the culture we’ve created—one centered on relationships and a shared commitment to helping people succeed.”
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers announced that three of the Lubbock locations will now be open longer:
“Whether you’re a Texas Tech student studying late, a family looking for dinner after an evening activity or someone simply craving Cane’s after hours, we’re looking forward to serving you,” said Jonas Davila, Raising Cane’s area leader of restaurants. “The only change is that we’re making it available for more hours throughout the day, giving Customers additional opportunities to enjoy our Chicken Finger meals when it’s most convenient for them.”
Rounding off the week was more news in the chicken restaurant scene, with Urban Bird Hot Chicken announcing the hunt for a franchisee to open multiple locations in Lubbock.
“We focused on really good kale slaw that goes inside the chicken sandwich, good bakery bun, like every aspect of the menu, I just wanted it to be better,” said Brandon Gawthorp, co-owner and founder. “As we’re going through it, we fell in love with the concept.”
The best bites this week came from the newly opened Layne’s Chicken Fingers at 7902 University Ave. and Flix Brewhouse, 120 W. Loop 289 Access Road. If you go to Flix and only get one thing from the concession, it must be the pizza. Any of their pizzas, honestly, because that sourdough crust may be among the best pizza I’ve ever had. The Truffle Shuffle, a mushroom pizza, is officially my go-to order next time I’m at the movies.
As for Layne’s, yes, another chicken place opened, but you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong here. Layne’s made bold claims in interviews, and made good on their statement. The chicken itself is good, but the sauces put it over the top, especially the Layne’s Sauce. The fries are seasoned, a rarity in some eateries, and also pair well with Layne’s Sauce or the cream gravy. It’s on my restaurant rotation, and it should be on yours, too.
Next week has yet to be written, but I hope to get this year’s Summer Review done. We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, stay tuned.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: City Bank, Raising Cane’s, Urban Bird, best bites make Lubbock news
Reporting by Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alana Edgin, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY Network
