Church’s Texas Chicken has secured equity investment from Golub Capital to accelerate its next phase of growth.
Founded in 1952 in San Antonio, Texas, Church’s has more than 1500 chicken quick-service restaurants across the US and 25+ international markets. The chain was acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard in 2021.
The company plans to use Golub Capital’s undefined investment to support several areas, including its restaurant remodel program, new openings and initiatives that support brand and franchisee growth.
This transaction marks the second time Golub has provided financing to Church’s since 2024.
“Golub Capital’s longstanding relationship with Church’s and experience in the restaurant sector make the firm a valuable partner to the ownership group,” said Rushabh Vora, MD of Future Standard.
“Golub’s decision to lean in further with an equity investment says everything about their conviction in the brand, the management team, and the road ahead,” he added.
From year-end 2021 through the first quarter of this year, Church’s delivered approximately 19 per cent cumulative same-store sales growth domestically, with US systemwide traffic up more than 6 per cent.
Last year, system sales surpassed $1.6 billion, and the chain achieved its first year of positive net US unit growth since 2010.
The company recently recruited industry veteran Bobby Morena as chief development officer to lead US expansion. Internationally, the brand is led by EVP of international Tim Waddell.
- Further reading: Church’s Texas Chicken announces Roland Gonzalez as CEO.
