Who Owns Church’s Chicken? A Look at the Fried Chicken Chain’s History and Current Ownership

Church’s Chicken also known as Church’s Fried Chicken or Texas Chicken internationally is one of the largest fried chicken fast food chains in the world. With over 1,700 locations across 27 countries, Church’s is known for its flavorful fried chicken, honey-butter biscuits, and bold Texas flair. But who actually owns this iconic chicken brand? The ownership of Church’s Chicken has changed hands several times over the company’s 70+ year history.

A Humble Beginning in San Antonio

Church’s Chicken can trace its origins back to April 1952 when George W. Church Sr. opened a small fried chicken walk-up restaurant in San Antonio Texas. Church pioneered several innovative practices like open kitchens and serving chicken in boxes allowing customers to see their food being prepared. Within 10 years, Church’s had expanded to eight local restaurants.

Franchising Fuels Growth in the 1960s

Church’s began franchising in 1965 with a special marinade recipe developed by Church Sr’s sons. This allowed for rapid expansion across Texas and the southern United States By 1968, Church’s had over 100 locations and became the first Texas-born fast food chain to go national. Church Sr. passed away in 1956, and in 1968 the Church family sold the business.

Going Public and Continued Expansion (1969-1980s)

After going public in 1969, Church’s Chicken saw huge growth over the next two decades:

• 1970s: Expanded internationally to Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Puerto Rico
• 1970s and 80s: Opened over 500 new franchised and company-owned restaurants
• 1980s: Entered Indonesia and Malaysia under the name “Texas Chicken”

This rapid expansion made Church’s the second largest chicken QSR (quick service restaurant) chain by the late 1980s.

Acquisition by Popeyes and AFC Enterprises (1989-2004)

In 1989, Church’s Chicken was acquired by competitor Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for $330 million. As part of the deal, Church’s closed 250 underperforming locations and converted others to Popeyes restaurants. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Church’s remained under the ownership umbrella of AFC Enterprises, the parent company of Popeyes and Church’s.

Sold to Arcapita and Growth Under New Ownership (2004-2009)

In 2004, Atlanta-based private equity firm Arcapita purchased Church’s Chicken from AFC Enterprises for over $390 million. Under Arcapita’s ownership, Church’s expanded further internationally and grew its franchise footprint. Key international growth markets included Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and the Middle East.

Acquired by Friedman Fleischer & Lowe and Recent Ownership Changes (2009-Present)

In August 2009, San Francisco private equity firm Friedman Fleischer & Lowe acquired Church’s Chicken from Arcapita in a deal valued around $780 million. Under FFL’s ownership, Church’s continued expanding globally but faced some challenges in the late 2010s with declining sales.

In August 2021, Church’s Chicken was acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and portfolio company Rego Restaurant Group. The acquisition price was undisclosed. Rego Restaurant Group is the parent company of Quiznos subs and Taco Del Mar.

• 1952-1968: Founder George W. Church Sr. and the Church family
• 1969-1989: Publicly owned after IPO
• 1989-2004: Owned by AFC Enterprises (also parent of Popeyes)
• 2004-2009: Owned by private equity firm Arcapita
• 2009-2021: Owned by private equity firm Friedman Fleischer & Lowe
• 2021-Present: Owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and Rego Restaurant Group

What This Means for Church’s Chicken’s Future

The latest acquisition of Church’s Chicken by High Bluff Capital Partners points to a focus on revitalizing sales and profitability for the established fried chicken brand. There may be more localization of menu offerings along with continued global expansion in international markets. With new ownership and leadership, Church’s is poised for a new era centered around enhancing the guest experience and refreshing the brand in an increasingly competitive chicken landscape.

So while the Church’s Chicken brand has changed ownership hands several times, it remains one of the most well-known quick service chicken chains worldwide. Church’s passionate franchisees and team members have kept the brand’s commitment to quality fried chicken alive for over 70 years. As consumer tastes and preferences evolve, Church’s aims to continue differentiating itself through its signature spices and flavors. One thing is certain – the future looks bright for this Texas-born fried chicken icon as it enters its eighth decade under new ownership.