Church’s Chicken Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Founded in 1952 by George W. Church Sr., Church’s Chicken, now called Church’s Texas Chicken in the Americas, is one of the largest quick-service chicken chains worldwide.
The first restaurant opened in San Antonio, Texas, near the Alamo, and became famous for its hand-battered, double-breaded chicken, Honey-Butter Biscuits, and home-style sides.
The franchise began expanding internationally in the 1970s and has grown steadily since. In 2021, High Bluff Capital Partners acquired the brand.
Church’s Texas Chicken celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022, marking decades of bold flavors and warm hospitality. The brand stands out for its commitment to quality, preparing fresh chicken in small batches throughout the day.
The franchise continues to expand globally, with plans to open 100 new international locations and grow system-wide sales from $1.4 billion to over $2 billion by 2028.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Church’s Chicken franchise? It costs on average between $610,000 - $1,886,000 to start a Church’s Chicken franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
Church’s Chicken offers 3 investment options:
| Type of Restaurant | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Blaze Freestanding Building | $1,202,400 to $1,886,300 |
| Conversion of Existing Freestanding Building | $609,725 to $1,296,300 |
| End Cap Restaurant | $654,366 to $1,273,300 |
The detailed investment estimate below summarizes the estimated initial investment for a Conversion of Existing Freestanding Building.
For more information on the costs required to start a Church’s Chicken franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Development Fee | $10,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $20,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Funds | $15,500 to $25,000 |
| Real Estate – Purchase or Lease | Variable |
| Site Work | $30,075 to $175,000 |
| Building and Improvements | $150,000 to $510,000 |
| Equipment and Signs | $290,000 to $375,000 |
| Fees, Miscellaneous, Architectural and Engineering Services, Deposits | $50,000 to $100,000 |
| Initial Training | $10,000 to $23,000 |
| Opening Supplies | $6,350 to $12,700 |
| Insurance | $7,500 to $10,000 |
| Utility Deposits | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Business Licenses | $300 to $600 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $609,725 to $1,296,300 |
Church’s Chicken Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Church’s Chicken franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Church’s Chicken’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans for real estate. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure to reduce debt service. See SharpSheets’ financial model hub for funding guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Church’s Chicken franchise investment?
Payback periods for franchises in Church’s Chicken’s category typically run 3-7 years, depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Church’s Chicken?
Church’s Chicken is owned by High Bluff Capital Partners, a private equity firm. High Bluff Capital Partners acquired Church’s Chicken in 2021 through its affiliate Rego Restaurant Group, which also owns other restaurant brands. This acquisition is part of High Bluff’s strategy to invest in and grow established restaurant brands.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: June 2026
Disclaimer
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