Church’s Texas Chicken has received a growth equity investment from Golub Capital to accelerate its next phase of growth. The undisclosed investment will be used to expand the company’s remodel program, which has generated sales increases, and to accelerate new company-operated restaurant openings.
The funding will also support other initiatives for brand and franchisee growth. Church’s currently has over 1,500 restaurants across the US and more than 25 international markets.
Domestically, Church’s finished 2025 with over $861 million in sales and 770 locations. The chain’s global system has been driving its expansion, with a development pipeline of over 1,500 restaurants outside of the US.
In April, the company signed a deal to enter China, marking its 27th international market. Led by EVP of International Tim Waddell, Church’s has been expanding its global presence.
In 2021, the brand was acquired by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard, and CEO Roland Gonzalez was put in place. Since then, average unit volumes at franchised locations have increased by over $200,000.
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This increase translates to more than $55,000 of additional profit per restaurant, achieved through supply chain and technology modernization efforts, menu upgrades, and a marketing strategy focused on the brand’s core consumer base.
Church’s has delivered approximately 19% cumulative same-store sales growth domestically, while traffic has increased by more than 6% since the end of 2021 through Q1 2026.
Gonzalez said, “We’ve spent the last several years rebuilding the foundation of this brand, strengthening our operations, investing in our franchisees, and reconnecting with the communities that have trusted Church’s since its inception.”
The investment from Golub Capital is a vote of confidence in the company’s future and an opportunity to drive higher system-wide sales, grow national advertising dollars, and improve overall brand positioning. Investment will be used to expand the remodel program and accelerate new restaurant openings.
This transaction marks the second time Golub Capital has provided financing to Church’s since 2024. High Bluff Capital Partners Principal Ryan Pitt said, “When we acquired Church’s in 2021, we saw a brand with 70 years of equity and significant untapped potential.”
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Golub Capital Vice Chair and Co-Head of the firm’s Sponsor Finance business Greg Cashman reiterated this, stating, “Over the course of our relationship, we have seen the team strengthen the business.”
Future Standard Managing Director Rushabh Vora added that Golub Capital’s investment shows its conviction with the Church’s brand, as well as its management team and potential ahead.
They will use this investment to continue their growth trajectory, with a focus on expanding their remodel program and accelerating new restaurant openings.
It is likely that Church’s will face increasing competition in the fast-growing chicken category, but with this new investment, they are well-positioned to maintain their market share and continue to grow.