Where is the closest Church's Chicken?

Church's Chicken is an AFC Enterprises Inc. division with more than 1500 company-owned and franchised locations of fast-food chicken in the United States and 26 other countries of the world. Founded by George W. Church Sr. in 1952, the company is specialized in fried chicken centered around Southern-style chicken and offers some side dishes like fried okra, coleslaw, and Jalapeno Cheese Bombers, to name a few.

History of Church’s Chicken

George W. Church Sr. founded Church's in 1952 after retiring as an incubator salesman in the poultry business. He started with a walk-up restaurant known as ‘Church’s Fried Chicken to go’ because it only offered takeout service and sold fried chicken. By 1955, his restaurant added Jalapenos and French fries to its menu. George Church died in 1956, and the other family members took over the operations.

The company started expanding when George Church Jr. took over. The company opened eight locations in San Antonio. A signature marinate was developed by Church Jr. and his brother Richard, and it was able to be prepared in any of the locations. The chain opened five more restaurants outside San Antonio and owned 17 restaurants in 1968. The company got incorporated and went public by 1969 when the Church family sold it in 1968.

By the end of 1969, the company had more than 100 restaurants, and it opened 387 more only between the years 1969 and 1974. The international expansion of Church's Chicken started in 1979 with its first location in Japan. By 2008, the brand entered the UK market, and by 2017, Church’s had 1,700 locations in different countries.

Mission and Vision

The main concept of Church’s chicken has always been based on its philosophy of simplicity in operating its food business. They offer a limited menu while investing in specialized equipment designed to do one thing perfectly. They control their operational costs by training their staff to specialize in one operation.

It is the mentality responsible for setting the tone for what Church's Chicken does, and while they have successfully been able to stick to their roots, it is their special flavor that separates them from the rest in the competition. The company is all about the bold flavors, big portions, warm welcomes, and offering plenty of room in restaurants. Church's chicken has been operating the same way for almost 70 years, and they will continue to do so without any changes.

Key Facts

When most people think about fast food, it is the burgers and fries that come into their minds, while fried chicken always occupies a special place. While there is no shortage of fast-food chicken chains, Church's Chicken has been a fast-food staple for many years, although they may not have a long history and popularity like other fast-food chains.

Many of the Church's Chicken can be compared to their competitors, but it is the mashed potatoes, family meals, and biscuits that separate them from others, and this is what helped them create a devoted fan base. Church's chicken has been able to outsmart many big names by expanding into those neighborhoods in which big brands were not interested.

The rest of the world recognizes Church's Chicken as Texas Chicken, and this name is given to the brand for two main reasons. The first reason is that they didn't want their customers to be confused about the brand being religious-based, and secondly, the name Texas Chicken has conjured up the image of the cowboys.

Final Words

Church's Chicken is the fourth largest chain of American quick-service restaurants specializing in fried chicken. Being a well-known global brand, the company has domestic and international franchises. With 1,700 locations in 30 countries, Church's Chicken has been able to keep its name by offering unique items like honey butter biscuits, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Some newer choices have also emerged, including sandwiches, tacos, and a spicy chicken flavor.

FAQs

Does Church's Chicken offer white meat?

Church's chicken offers tender strips to its customers, which are hand-battered white meat chicken. Other than that, the restaurant also serves tasty sandwiches with healthier meat varieties.

Does Church’s Chicken offer seafood?

Church's chicken has recently added four new seafood items to its menu. They have seafood platters that include crispy fish, shrimp n tenders, and more. 

Is Church’s Chicken expensive?

Many people find Church's Chicken to be pricier than the average fast-food restaurant, but the major reason is that they don't sell individual items. Most of their items are family meals and are composed of mixed chicken thigh pieces.

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