April 22, 2008

Church's Chicken positioned for continued growth
 

Atlanta-based Church's Chicken opened 99 stores in 2007, representing 7 percent unit growth globally, and the restaurant chain is positioned for a continued growth in 2008.

Out of the 99 stores, 59 restaurants were opened in the US while the rest were opened internationally. The US fried chicken fast food restaurant chain also added 12 new domestic franchise partners.

Church's had grown significantly last year, thanks to the implementation of Church's Global Network, a new resource tool that records and retrieves information on current restaurants, and a new development process that measures important milestones as new restaurants are developed.

Church's helps its franchise community to grow by focusing on franchise profitability at every level and the franchisees are put in an advisory position in important decision-making on Church's future, especially on factors that affect profitability, according to Harsha V. Agadi, CEO of Church's Chicken.

Church's could enjoy continued growth in 2008, as the domestic franchise goal is to open another 47 restaurants by year's end, and the brand's international team aims to open about 600 stores in the next five years.

Church's Chicken has about 1,600 stores worldwide in 19 countries, with sales exceeding US$1 billion.