Church's Chicken vs Ezell's Chicken Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Church's Chicken Franchise
Ezell's Chicken Franchise
Investment $348,300 - $1,826,300$400,000 - $600,000
Franchise Fee $15,000$20,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee 5%-
Year Founded 1952-
Year Franchised 1972-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Term Of Agreement 20 years-
Renewal Fee $10K/15K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Church's Chicken Franchise
Ezell's Chicken Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Church's Chicken Franchise
    Ezell's Chicken 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
    Ezell's Chicken Franchise
    Training --
    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 advertising-
    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)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Church's Chicken Franchise
    Ezell's Chicken Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    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 Ezell's Chicken

    Founded in 1984 in Seattle's Central District, Ezell's Famous Chicken has eleven fast-casual restaurants in locations throughout the Greater Puget Sound area.  Over 36 years later, the locally-owned family business has grown, while members of the founding family are still active and involved every day.

    The story began when the family moved from Texas to Seattle. Shortly thereafter, they decided that they’d start a business making chicken like they used to back home in Texas.

    Lewis Rudd and Faye Stephens saw their mission as simple: Provide FRESH and high-quality chicken and GOOD homemade side dishes, served with casual and courteous service.

    After waiting six years for funding, the family opened the first store on February 3, 1984 in Seattle’s Central District at 501 23rd Avenue, across from Garfield High School. Since then, they have built the family business into a Pacific Northwest icon.