Brown's Chicken & Pasta, founded in 1949 by John and Belva Brown in Bridgeview, Illinois, has become a cherished part of Chicago's culinary landscape. Starting from a modest trailer, the brand has grown into a beloved fast-food chain known for its signature fried chicken.

Headquartered in Villa Park, Illinois, Brown's Chicken continues to serve its community with dedication and passion.

The franchise began expanding its reach in the 1970s, bringing its delectable offerings to various locations. Brown's Chicken offers a diverse menu, including its renowned fried chicken, Chicago-style sandwiches, and a comprehensive catering program.

What sets Brown's Chicken apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. The original recipe, featuring a buttermilk batter fried in cottonseed oil, delivers a crispy exterior and moist interior that has stood the test of time.

Training

Brown’s Chicken provides an in-depth and mandatory training program for new franchisees and designated staff to ensure consistent operations across all locations. This training must be completed before the opening of a Brown’s Store and spans approximately eight weeks, combining both classroom and on-the-job instruction.

1. Breading Training: Includes 6 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of practical, hands-on training at a Brown’s location.
2. Customer Service Training: Designed to ensure staff understand service protocols, consisting of 6 hours in the classroom and 40 hours on the job.
3. Food Preparation and Cooking Training: Covers food safety and preparation methods with the same structure—6 hours of classroom learning and 40 hours of practical work.
4. Cooking and Cooker Operation: Focuses specifically on cooking equipment use and safety with 6 classroom hours and 40 practical hours.
5. Accounting Training: Provides 6 hours of classroom-based instruction covering bookkeeping and financial reporting.
6. Personnel Training: Includes both classroom and practical training on hiring, scheduling, and managing staff—6 hours each.

Territory Protection

Brown’s Chicken offers its franchisees a defined exclusive territory as part of the franchise agreement, typically encompassing an area within a one-mile radius of the store. This territory is explicitly outlined in an exhibit attached to the agreement and is granted so long as the franchisee remains in full compliance with all contractual obligations.

However, if the location is within a shopping mall food court, no exclusive territory is provided. The exclusivity protects the franchisee from competition by other Brown’s franchise locations within that territory, but it does not limit the franchisor’s rights entirely. Brown’s retains the right to operate or authorize other franchises outside the defined area, regardless of proximity.

Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to sell products within the franchisee’s territory through other channels such as internet sales, catalogs, or telemarketing, either using the Brown’s trademarks or alternative branding.