1952
800
$644,000
$15,000
$1,809,000
No
Church’s Texas Chicken®, founded in 1952 by George W. Church Sr. in San Antonio, Texas, has evolved from a modest walk-up stand selling fried chicken and a roll for 49 cents to a globally recognized quick-service restaurant chain. With over 1,500 locations across 23 countries, Church’s offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a brand known for its bold flavors, value-driven menu, and commitment to quality.
The brand's signature offerings include hand-battered fried chicken, honey-butter biscuits, and a variety of Southern-style sides. In recent years, Church’s has undergone a brand refresh, introducing modern restaurant designs and digital innovations like a redesigned mobile app and a loyalty program, Real Rewards, to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in a Church’s Texas Chicken franchise means aligning with a brand that combines a rich heritage with forward-thinking strategies. The company is targeting $2 billion in system-wide sales by 2028, focusing on both domestic and international growth. Franchisees benefit from a time-tested business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, ensuring a solid foundation for success.
Church’s Chicken began as a modest walk-up restaurant in San Antonio, Texas, founded by George W. Church Sr. in 1952. Initially serving fried chicken with a simple menu at an affordable price, the brand quickly became known for its bold, Southern-style flavors and generous portions. By the 1960s, the Church family had developed a proprietary marinade and breading recipe that set it apart from competitors, establishing a signature taste that customers recognize today.
Over the decades, Church’s expanded aggressively through franchising, first across the U.S. and later internationally under the name Texas Chicken. Its growth strategy emphasized high-quality food, efficient operations, and community engagement. Church’s has consistently adapted to market trends by modernizing its restaurant designs, enhancing its menu with side dishes like honey-butter biscuits and jalapeño bites, and integrating technology through digital ordering and loyalty programs.
Market Presence:
U.S.: 768 locations spread across 27 states, targeting both suburban and urban markets with high foot traffic.
Global: Over 1,500 locations in 23 countries, including Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, with a consistent brand identity tailored for local tastes.
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), specializing in fried chicken and Southern-style comfort food.
Notable Milestones:
1952: First Church’s Chicken opens in San Antonio, Texas.
1960s: Proprietary marinade developed, establishing signature flavor.
1980s–1990s: Major U.S. and international franchising expansion.
2020s: Brand refresh with modernized interiors, digital innovations, and the Real Rewards loyalty program.
Ownership & Corporate Structure:
Currently owned by High Bluff Capital Partners, Church’s Chicken operates primarily as a franchisor, offering entrepreneurs a structured, scalable model to invest in the brand with strong operational support.
Position in Industry:
Church’s Chicken is a leading player in the fried chicken quick-service segment, competing with brands like KFC, Popeyes, and Chick-fil-A. Its reputation for bold flavors, affordable pricing, and consistent quality has helped it maintain a loyal customer base for over 70 years.
Church’s Chicken provides a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees succeed before, during, and after launch. The brand emphasizes structured training, operational guidance, marketing support, and ongoing assistance to ensure consistent quality and profitability across all locations.
1. Pre-Launch Support
Before opening, Church’s Chicken assists franchisees with:
Site Selection: Franchise consultants help identify high-traffic locations with optimal visibility and accessibility to maximize sales potential.
Restaurant Design & Build-Out: Guidance is provided on the layout, kitchen equipment, décor, and compliance with corporate standards, ensuring each restaurant maintains the Church’s brand identity.
Permits & Licensing: Assistance with local regulatory approvals, health permits, and business licensing to streamline the pre-opening process.
Operational Planning: Expert advice on staffing, supply chain setup, and inventory management to ensure a smooth launch.
2. Initial Training Programs
Church’s Chicken offers structured, hands-on training to equip franchisees and their staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate the restaurant efficiently:
New Franchisee Orientation Program (NFOP): Conducted at the corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, this program covers all aspects of running a Church’s Chicken location, including:
Kitchen operations and food preparation standards
Quality control and food safety protocols
Inventory management and cost control
Customer service and brand standards
On-Site Training: Franchisees and key management staff receive training at an operational Church’s Chicken restaurant, providing practical, real-world experience.
Schoox Learning Platform: Digital training modules are available for continuous learning, covering updates in menu items, operational procedures, and corporate policies.
3. Ongoing Operational Support
Church’s Chicken ensures franchisees are never alone in managing their business:
Regional Franchise Managers (RFM): Each franchisee is assigned an RFM who provides continuous guidance on operations, staffing, marketing, budgeting, and customer experience.
Operational Audits: Regular performance reviews and audits help maintain high standards and identify areas for improvement.
Marketing Support: Franchisees benefit from national and regional marketing campaigns, including advertising, promotions, and digital marketing support.
Technology Tools: Systems for point-of-sale (POS), delivery integration, inventory tracking, and loyalty programs help franchisees manage operations efficiently.
4. Academic & Development Support
Workshops & Seminars: Periodic training workshops for franchisees and management teams on industry trends, leadership, and restaurant best practices.
Menu Innovation Support: Guidance on introducing seasonal items, promotions, and menu optimization strategies to drive customer engagement and sales growth.
5. Additional Support
Supplier Network: Access to approved vendors and bulk purchasing agreements to maintain quality and reduce operational costs.
Crisis & Operational Support: Assistance during unforeseen operational challenges, such as staffing shortages, supply chain issues, or natural disasters.
Summary:
Church’s Chicken franchisees benefit from a structured, hands-on support system that ensures operational excellence, strong brand consistency, and a roadmap for sustainable growth. From pre-launch planning to ongoing operational guidance and digital tools, Church’s Chicken equips franchisees with the resources needed to thrive in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
Church’s Chicken seeks motivated, capable, and business-minded individuals who are committed to maintaining the brand’s high standards while growing a successful quick-service restaurant. The ideal franchisee profile includes:
1. Experience & Background
Restaurant Experience: Franchisees should ideally have prior experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) or foodservice industry, including managing operations, staff, and customer service.
Business Acumen: Knowledge in business management, financial planning, and marketing is highly valued. Multi-unit management experience is a plus for those considering expanding into multiple locations.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Candidates should be self-driven, hands-on leaders capable of managing day-to-day operations and making strategic decisions.
2. Financial Capability
Net Worth Requirement: Minimum net worth of approximately $2 million for multi-unit franchise investments.
Liquid Capital Requirement: Minimum liquid capital of $1 million to ensure sufficient resources for investment, working capital, and initial operational expenses.
Investment Readiness: Ability to manage upfront costs, ongoing fees, and operational expenses while pursuing a long-term growth strategy.
3. Personal Attributes & Skills
Passion for Food & Service: Franchisees should have a genuine interest in delivering high-quality, customer-focused dining experiences.
Leadership Skills: Ability to hire, train, and retain staff while fostering a positive workplace culture.
Operational Excellence: Commitment to adhering to Church’s Chicken operational standards, food safety, and quality control.
Community Engagement: Willingness to actively engage in the local community and develop a loyal customer base.
4. Location Preferences
High-Traffic Areas: Ideal candidates are interested in operating in locations with strong retail, residential, or office presence to maximize visibility and foot traffic.
Growth Potential: Franchisees should be open to identifying expansion opportunities in new markets and optimizing multiple-unit operations.
5. Commitment to the Brand
Brand Alignment: Franchisees must embrace Church’s Chicken’s brand values, menu offerings, and operational procedures.
Long-Term Vision: Candidates should be prepared for a long-term partnership with the franchisor, focusing on sustainable growth and brand consistency.
Summary:
Church’s Chicken seeks experienced, financially capable, and passionate entrepreneurs who can maintain operational excellence, deliver superior customer experiences, and grow the brand in their local markets. The ideal franchisee is a hands-on leader with a strategic mindset, a commitment to the community, and a desire to build a thriving business within a globally recognized brand.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | Up to $15,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $644,000 – $1,809,000 (depending on location, size, and build-out) |
| Net Worth Requirement | Minimum $2,000,000 for multi-unit franchisees |
| Liquid Capital Requirement | Minimum $1,000,000 for multi-unit franchisees |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment range; varies by site and restaurant size |
| Working Capital Requirement | Varies by location, but sufficient to cover initial months of operations (part of total investment) |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2–3 years depending on location, market, and operational efficiency |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, drive-thru sales, delivery (via third-party apps), catering, seasonal promotions, and limited merchandising |
| Expected ROI | Franchisees can expect ROI within 3–5 years depending on location performance, sales volume, and operational efficiency |
Notes:
These numbers are typical estimates and can vary based on real estate costs, labor costs, market conditions, and other operational factors.
Multi-unit investors may require higher upfront capital but can benefit from economies of scale and shared operational overhead.
Church’s Chicken provides ongoing operational and marketing support to help franchisees optimize revenue and profitability.
