Chicken Delight vs Church's Chicken Franchise Comparison

When Al Tunick bought some deep fryers from a company that was going out of business, he didn't quite know what to do with them. With the help of some friends, Tunick began experimenting, trying to cook different foods in the fryers. The entrepreneur found his answer in chicken, and in 1952, Chicken Delight was born. The company quickly expanded throughout the United States and first moved into Canada in 1958.

Winnipeg entrepreneur Otto Koch purchased his first Chicken Delight franchise in 1969. Seeing the potential of the chain in Canada, Koch built and acquired additional franchise locations and in 1976 bought Chicken Delight of Canada Ltd. By providing quality service and cleanliness, the Canadian operation prospered. This success led to Koch’s acquisition of the U.S. and International arm - Chicken Delight International Inc. in 1979. For the first time the total Chicken Delight system was under one roof. Otto Koch passed away in December 2010 - but that wasn’t the end for Chicken Delight. Winnipeg couple Jim and Nadine Cartman became the new owners of Chicken Delight in June 2012. Under their leadership, Chicken Delight is now undergoing a brand refresh with focus on renovating existing stores, adding new menu items and improving customer service.

The Cartmans and their team keep a close eye on the marketplace and are constantly looking to expand Chicken Delight through franchising.

Chicken Delight features a menu of fried chicken, pizza and ribs for dine-in, delivery and takeout.

The first "Church's Fried Chicken to Go" was located in downtown San Antonio, across the street from the Alamo. The restaurant sold only fried chicken. Church added French fries and jalape'os to the menu in 1955. George Church's idea paid off, and at the time of his death in 1956, four Church's were open. Other members of the family became active in the business, and by 1962 the chain had grown to eight locations in San Antonio. By 1989, Church's was the second-largest chicken franchise organization in the United States. That was the year it merged with the number three chicken chain, Popeyes' Famous Chicken & Biscuits, headquartered in New Orleans. The Church's concept remained distinct and separate from Popeyes'. Known for its Southern-style chicken, Church's also serves Southern specialties including fried okra, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and its unique honey butter biscuits. It's your time to grow and Church's Chicken has the brand strength, innovative spirit and long-standing experience to position you for business growth and success. Future Church's franchisees will recognize this rich heritage and pride themselves on maintaining this tradition over time. If this is you - Welcome.

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a new free-standing Church’s Chicken Restaurant ranges from $1,159,150 to $1,603,300 for the 2200 Model, $1,097,150 to $1,541,300 for the 1850 Model and $681,500 or $959,800 for the End Cap Model. Each of these estimates includes a $10,000 Development Fee and a $15,000 Initial Franchise Fee that must be paid to Cajun by new franchisees. If you plan to develop multiple Church’s Chicken Restaurants, you will pay a Development Fee in the amount of $10,000 multiplied by the number of Restaurants that you plan to develop.