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NEDERLAND — The much anticipated opening of Layne’s Chicken Fingers is set for next week and will feature food, giveaways and more.

The eatery is located at the former home of Mazzio’s, 3028 FM 365 in Nederland. 

“We know Mazzio’s has a lot of memories and we hope to create new memories there,” restaurateur Masroor Fatany said. “We want to be pillars in the Nederland and Port Arthur communities.”

Fatany chose Nederland to place the restaurant due to the success at the Beaumont location. He said a lot of customers there had come from the Port Arthur and Mid County area. And it just so happened the Mazzio’s site became available. It was a combination of what the customers wanted and the right real estate coming up.

The grand opening is set for April 19. 

“We will be giving away free Layne’s for a year for the first 10 people in line and there will be additional chances to win free Laynes for those who download the app and select Nederland as their favorite store in the random sweepstakes,” he said. 

Music, free Layne’s swag such as T-shirts and stickers will be available at the grand opening as well.

The timing for the opening coincides with the company’s 31st anniversary. Fatany explained Layne’s was established in 1994 in Texas two years before competitor Raising Cane’s.

The food

In an area with multiple restaurants specializing in chicken, Fatany believes Layne’s has what it takes to lure customers. 

“It’s pretty simple, our chicken packs flavor. We’ve got an option for spicy tenders. We have sauce options such as jalapeno ranch and honey mustard, we have desserts with milkshakes such as salted caramel and Oreo and we offer gravy with the tenders,” he said. “That combination is why people just love coming to Layne’s.”

Layne’s will be open all week long from 10 a.m. to midnight. 

Fatany offered thanks to city of Nederland officials for their help through the permitting process and keeping the site safe during construction to the Nederland Economic Development Corporation. He said everyone was extremely helpful and supportive.

A Texas A&M graduate and former CPA, Fatany transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship, first owning Sears Garage Doors before entering the restaurant industry. In 2016, he launched The Halal Guys in Houston, growing it to seven successful locations. In 2020, he became Layne’s Chicken Fingers’ first franchisee, bringing the College Station favorite to Houston and opening his Beaumont location in 2023. As an Aggie, Fatany understood the deep connection Texans have with Layne’s Chicken Fingers and its local roots, making it a natural fit for expansion throughout the state, according to information from the company.