RISE - Menu Monitor

Church's Chicken
Headquarters
980 Hammond Dr. Suite 1100, Atlanta, Georgia 30328 USA
Tel: (770)350-3800 Fax: (770)512-3920
www.churchs.com
Ownership: Private
Segment: Limited Service Chicken
System Characteristics 2006 2005 2004
U.S. Systemwide Sales ($000) 772,000 772,649 756,767
Company-owned ($000) 225,000 226,188 215,144
Franchised ($000) 547,000 546,461 541,623
U.S. Number of Units 1,190 1,186 1,220
Company-owned 279 277 283
Franchised 911 909 937
International Sales ($000) 235,000 215,616 195,597
International Units 385 358 333
Average Sales/Unit ($000) 650 676 625
Concept Positioning |
Church’s Chicken is one of the world’s leading quick-service chains specializing in fried chicken. The fast-food restaurant is
best known for its Southern-style chicken, served in spicy or original flavors. Franchisees operate more than 80% of the units.
Most units are freestanding and located in densely populated urban and suburban areas. Units average 1,200 sq. ft. and seat
approximately 40. Nontraditional sites, such as convenience stores, require as little as 450 sq. ft. Takeout and drive-thru
services are also offered and account for approximately 82% of total sales.
George W. Church opened the first Church’s Fried Chicken to Go in 1952 in San Antonio. The company quickly expanded and
opened its first international location in Japan in 1979. There are currently international locations in Puerto Rico, Canada,
Malaysia, Mexico and Taiwan, under the brand name of Texas Chicken. The company was sold to AFC Enterprises in 1992. In
2004, AFC sold Church’s Chicken to Crescent Capital Investments, Inc. (CCI), the parent of Caribou Coffee, for $390 million.
CCI is an Atlanta-based private equity firm. In 2005, CCI and its parent company, First Islamic Investment Bank, changed their
name to Arcapita Inc. Church’s projects future franchise expansion, but targeted markets have not been specified. The
company plans to expand the chain from 1,500 to 2,500 restaurants by 2010 as well as launch more co-branded units with
White Castle.
Menu Positioning |
Church's Chicken offers fried chicken by the box, by the piece or in combinations for lunch and dinner. Church’s uses broiler
chickens, bought fresh and cut into eight pieces, then marinated, floured and battered before deep-frying. The marinade, flour,
batter and seasoning mixes used are required proprietary products. Church’s also offers seafood and frequent limited-time
offers. Side items include fries, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, corn on the cob, fried okra, jalapeño peppers, Jalapeño
Cheese Bombers and honey butter biscuits. Signature sauces are the Purple Pepper Sauce, ranch, creamy jalapeno, sweet
and sour, barbecue and honey mustard. Other menu options include glazed apple pies and soft drinks. Menu prices range
from 99¢-$7.99 and checks average $4.
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