1983
20
$350,000
$25,000
$1,500,000
No
Charlie's Chicken is a cherished American fried chicken brand renowned for its signature Chicken Chunks—boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, hand-breaded and deep-fried to juicy perfection. With over 20 locations across Oklahoma and Missouri, Charlie's Chicken has established itself as a staple in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. The brand's commitment to quality, affordability, and community engagement has garnered a loyal customer base, making it an attractive franchise opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Investing in a Charlie's Chicken franchise offers:
Proven Business Model: A time-tested operational framework with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Brand Recognition: A well-established name in the fried chicken segment with a loyal customer base.
Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure franchisee success.
Scalable Opportunities: Options for single-unit or multi-unit investments to suit various investment capabilities.
Founded: 1983
Founder: Charles Randolph
Charlie's Chicken started as a single, family-owned fried chicken restaurant in Oklahoma. Its signature offering, Chicken Chunks—boneless, skinless chicken breast hand-breaded and deep-fried—quickly became a local favorite. Over the years, the brand expanded regionally, building a strong reputation for quality, affordability, and community engagement.
Franchise Units: Over 20 locations in Oklahoma and Missouri, with a focus on maintaining consistent quality and customer satisfaction across each store.
Ownership: Privately owned by the original family, Charlie’s Chicken remains committed to preserving its local charm while adopting modern business and marketing practices to stay competitive in the QSR (Quick-Service Restaurant) industry.
Brand Journey:
1983: First location opens, immediately gaining popularity for its signature fried chicken.
1990s: Expansion into additional locations within Oklahoma.
2000s: Introduced franchise model to allow entrepreneurs to open their own Charlie’s Chicken stores.
2010s–Present: Continued regional expansion in Oklahoma and Missouri, maintaining high standards for food quality and customer service.
Market Presence:
Strong presence in the Midwestern USA, especially in Oklahoma and Missouri.
Competes in the Quick-Service Restaurant industry, primarily against other fried chicken chains but differentiates itself through its family-friendly atmosphere, locally-loved recipes, and community-oriented approach.
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), specializing in fried chicken, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, sides, and family meals.
Key Differentiators:
Signature hand-breaded chicken chunks.
Emphasis on quality, affordability, and consistent customer experience.
Locally recognized brand with a loyal customer base.
Strong support network for franchisees to ensure operational success.
Charlie's Chicken offers comprehensive support and training programs designed to help franchisees succeed from pre-launch through ongoing operations. This ensures every location maintains consistent quality, service, and profitability.
Before opening your Charlie’s Chicken franchise, you’ll receive guidance on all critical pre-opening tasks:
Site Selection: Assistance in choosing a prime location with optimal foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility.
Lease Negotiation: Support in reviewing and negotiating lease agreements to protect franchisee interests.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Guidance on restaurant layout, kitchen setup, décor, and branding to ensure operational efficiency and a consistent customer experience.
Permits & Licensing: Help in obtaining all required permits, food safety certifications, and local regulatory approvals.
Franchisees undergo hands-on operational training covering every aspect of running a Charlie’s Chicken location:
Food Preparation: Proper techniques for cooking signature Chicken Chunks, sides, and menu items to maintain consistent quality.
Inventory Management: Tools and training for ordering, stocking, and tracking supplies efficiently.
Customer Service: Training on creating a welcoming, friendly, and efficient service environment.
Health & Safety Standards: Procedures to comply with local health regulations and maintain a safe working environment.
Point-of-Sale & Reporting: Training on POS systems, sales reporting, and daily operational tracking.
Charlie’s Chicken provides marketing and promotional support to help franchisees attract and retain customers:
Grand Opening Campaigns: Assistance with local launch events, advertising, and promotions.
Ongoing Marketing Materials: Access to national and regional marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and print/digital advertising templates.
Brand Guidelines: Ensuring consistent messaging, signage, and promotional activities across all locations.
Franchisee Education: Webinars, workshops, and manuals covering operational excellence, food trends, and customer engagement.
Team Training: Staff training modules to maintain high service standards.
After opening, Charlie’s Chicken continues to support franchisees to help maximize growth and profitability:
Field Support Visits: Regular check-ins from company representatives to evaluate operations, provide guidance, and troubleshoot challenges.
Performance Analysis: Assistance in tracking sales, operational efficiency, and marketing effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement Programs: Updates on new menu items, technology tools, and industry best practices.
Franchisee Network: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other franchisees in the network.
Key Benefit: Charlie’s Chicken ensures that franchisees never feel alone—they have full access to the company’s expertise, training, and operational systems to maximize their chances of success.
Charlie’s Chicken seeks motivated and capable individuals who are passionate about the foodservice industry and eager to operate a successful quick-service restaurant (QSR) business. The ideal franchisee combines entrepreneurial drive, operational skill, and community engagement to maximize the brand’s potential in their local market.
The franchisee should have a strong desire to own and operate their own business.
Motivated, proactive, and committed to growing their franchise over the long term.
Comfortable taking initiative while adhering to the proven Charlie’s Chicken operational model.
Experience in management, retail, or the foodservice industry is preferred, though not mandatory.
Capable of overseeing staff, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring high standards of quality and service.
Strong financial acumen to manage budgets, track sales, and achieve profitability.
A genuine interest in the food industry and commitment to delivering great customer experiences.
Enthusiastic about maintaining the brand’s signature quality, reputation, and customer loyalty.
Dedicated to following company standards while engaging with the local community.
Sufficient capital to cover initial investment, working capital, and ongoing operational costs.
Comfortable with franchise fees, royalties, marketing contributions, and other financial obligations.
Prepared to invest time, effort, and resources to grow the business successfully.
Willing to actively engage with the local community through events, sponsorships, and promotions.
Understands the importance of building relationships with customers, suppliers, and staff.
Recognizes that local reputation is key to long-term success in the QSR industry.
Ideal franchisees are located in or interested in expanding to areas where Charlie’s Chicken is underrepresented but has strong growth potential.
Primary focus on Oklahoma and Missouri, with opportunities in other suitable markets.
Leadership and team management skills.
Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Ability to follow a proven system while being adaptable to local market needs.
Financial stability and willingness to reinvest in business growth.
Passion for creating memorable dining experiences for customers.
Summary: The ideal Charlie’s Chicken franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur with business acumen, a love for quality food, financial capability, and a strong commitment to their local community. By combining these traits, they can successfully grow their franchise while upholding the brand’s reputation.
| Financial Aspect | Details / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $1,500,000 (depending on location and size of the unit) |
| Minimum Investment Required | Varies by market and unit type |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 per unit |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee – National | 1% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee – Local | 1% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out | $150,000 – $700,000 (depending on location and restaurant design requirements) |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $30,000 – $100,000 |
| Training Costs | Included in franchise fee |
| Expected ROI | Typically 15% – 25% annually, depending on location and management |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, drive-thru, catering services, multi-unit expansion opportunities |
| Additional Expenses | Utilities, staffing, insurance, local marketing, and maintenance |
