Church's Fried Chicken

Church's Chicken began on April 17, 1952, when George W. Church, Sr., a 65 year old retired chicken incubator salesman, opened Church's Fried Chicken To Go in San Antonio, Texas, across from the Alamo. The original concept offered quality, low cost fried chicken for carryout customers. French fries and jalapeños joined the menu in 1955. After George W. Church, Sr. died in 1956, his son George W. "Bill" Church, Jr. took leadership in 1962. He and his brother Richard are credited with creating the marinade associated with the brand's flavor. The company incorporated as Church's Fried Chicken in 1969 and later went public to support expansion. Known as Church's Texas Chicken in the United States and Texas Chicken internationally, the brand has more than 1,500 locations worldwide according to some sources. Other reports cite more than 1,400 units in 22 countries and global markets, more than 1,600 locations, or almost 1,700 locations. Reported country and territory counts include 24, 22, 23, 25, and 27. The brand uses the Texas Chicken name in many international markets. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, it has been owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and FS Investments since 2021, following ownership by Arcapita from late 2004 and AFC Enterprises, Inc. Roland Gonzalez is the current CEO. The brand serves value conscious customers with hand battered chicken and honey butter biscuits. As of 2025, Church's Chicken had 873 total units, including 714 franchised locations and 159 company owned locations. The 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document also indicated 8 franchised Church's Chicken locations in the USA. Its Southern style fried chicken and value positioning place it within the quick service restaurant market for franchise investment review.

The quick service restaurant industry, especially fried chicken, benefits from demand for convenience, value, and familiar flavors. Demand is supported by quick meal preferences, comfort food, and the international spread of American fast food concepts. Church's Southern style fried chicken and its international Texas Chicken expansion address these preferences while allowing for different local tastes. The category attracts franchise investment because of its established operating model, frequent transactions, and potential for multi unit development. Church's competes with established national and international fried chicken brands, while distinguishing itself through bold flavors, hand battered preparation, and honey butter biscuits. Urbanization, expanding middle income populations in emerging markets, and global demand for convenient, affordable meals create opportunities for scalable brands. Church's plans to open 900 more international units in the near future, including expansion into Germany, Hungary, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Morocco. Planned units in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain are also part of the strategy. The company projects that this growth will increase its international presence by more than 50% in the next four years.

A Church's Chicken franchise requires a substantial investment. The stated franchise fee is $15,000 per restaurant, with a $10,000 development fee, while some sources cite a $20,000 initial franchise fee. Prospective franchisees should expect at least $50,000 in initial fees paid directly to Church's Chicken. Reported total investment ranges include $1,119,150 to $1,631,300, $644,000 to $1,809,000, $1,114,650 to $1,636,300, $191,300 to $1,101,600 depending on restaurant size, and $681,500 to $1,603,300. The 2025 FDD reports approximately $644,000 to $1,808,972, depending on the prototype and whether the location is a conversion. The midpoint is $1,375,225. Costs include a $10,000 development fee, a $20,000 initial franchise fee, and grand opening marketing funds of $15,500 to $25,000. Site work is estimated at $220,000 to $450,000, while building and improvements range from $605,124 to $692,672. Real estate, equipment, and signs vary. Ongoing charges include a weekly royalty of 5% of gross sales and a weekly advertising fund contribution of 5% of gross sales, with a minimum annual contribution of $25,000. Technology costs are $95 per 4 week period, or $75 per 4 week period when the HME Drive Thru Timer system is used. Other possible charges include a $5,000 development schedule extension fee, a supply chain department surcharge that passes through franchisor costs, and mandatory manager training costs. Requirements include at least $1,119,150 in cash or $650,000 in liquid assets and net worth above $1,500,000. This places the opportunity within reach of well capitalized individuals or groups rather than entry level or mid tier buyers.

The operating model focuses on hand battered Southern style fried chicken, honey butter biscuits, and other popular sides in a quick service setting. Franchisees typically manage food preparation, customer service, inventory, and supply chain logistics to support consistent product availability. Although specific staffing levels are not provided, the format requires a well trained team capable of high volume service. The original walk up stand has developed into multiple formats. The investment ranges indicate options for new builds and conversions, likely including traditional standalone restaurants, inline units, and drive thru models, supported by the HME Drive Thru Timer technology reference. This format range can accommodate different real estate opportunities and market needs. Church's provides initial training totaling 171 hours, with 17 hours of classroom instruction and 154 hours of hands on, in restaurant training. Franchisees also receive ongoing corporate support after the initial training program.