Church's Chicken vs Mary Brown's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Church's Chicken vs Mary Brown's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Church's Chicken Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Investment $348,300 - $1,826,300$500,000 - $600,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 5%4%
Year Founded 19521969
Year Franchised 19721969
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee $10K/15K-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Church's Chicken Franchise
Mary Brown's Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • At Mary Brown’s, we’re looking for results-driven individuals with the determination to succeed. Passion and pride in everything you do is essential. Here’s what we’re looking for: * Hands-on ownership is preferred * Food service experience is an asset * Individual or multi-unit operators are welcome * Must have a willingness to learn, innovate and try new ideas * Entrepreneurial spirit – a desire to work with Mary Brown’s to grow your business * Commitment to delivering extraordinary Guest experiences every time * Pride in leading and motivating your team * A genuine love of people and enthusiasm for getting involved in your community

    Financing Options

     
    Church's Chicken Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Church's Chicken Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
    Training -Our training team ensures you’re armed with the knowledge you need - from hiring to preparing product and beyond. Highlights include: Best-in-class training at our training centre 3 week comprehensive Training Course teaches you how to produce and serve consistently perfect product - profitably Your training includes seminars, 1-on-1 sessions and classroom style courses on all aspects of our business and related systems. Learn about every aspect of your Mary Brown’s operation: * Food preparation * Office procedures * Basic management * Hiring * Guest focused, service-centric approach
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertisingMary Brown’s marketing is focused on driving sales and growing brand awareness. High impact multi-media marketing programs include radio, television, direct mail coupon programs and in-store materials. There is a strong digital/online presence including a web site, social media, YouTube promotion and e-newsletters. Location-specific programs are built by local field marketing managers to drive traffic and increase sales within a community or for a particular store. New Mary Brown’s stores are supported by grand opening events, public relations efforts and radio/print support to attract huge crowds.
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 60% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Our operations team teaches you how to optimize your results - they're with you throughout your opening and beside you as you build your business. Mary Brown’s mirror report system, implemented by our in-field operations directors, provides continuous monitoring of your operational procedures. This digital evaluation system assesses operational processes, service standards, quality control and hygiene and food safety on a store-by-store basis, ensuring brand integrity, consistency and optimal efficiencies.

    Expansion Plans

     
    Church's Chicken Franchise
    Mary Brown's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Church's Chicken

    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.

    About Mary Brown's

    A well established chain of restaurants specializing in chicken with a variety of side dishes. The successful Mary Brown's formula employs a simple but unique cooking system to produce an extensive, high-quality chicken menu.

    Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters has a 50-year history of building successful stores. In that time, we’ve perfected our methodologies and systems. And yet, we’re still innovating. Staying ahead of trends. Employing technology to its fullest. When you become part of the Mary Brown’s family, our time-tested franchising system is there to support you every step of the way.

    Our real estate specialists choose a location for you that meets your criteria and ours - taking into account demographics, traffic patterns, visibility and much more. Our construction team manages the build of your Mary Brown’s location from start to finish - from store design to subcontracting to signage and beyond. No detail is overlooked.

    Our purchasing team ensures the highest quality products are available chain-wide for all Mary Brown’s menu items, reflecting market conditions and industry trends. Our suppliers are carefully selected for optimal quality, competitive pricing and reliable service. All Franchisees must use Mary Brown’s suppliers to ensure consistent product and service across the country - building and strengthening the Mary Brown’s brand.

    "Top

    #56 in Canada's Top franchises.