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Chester's Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Chester's serves crispy fried chicken with a variety of sides and sauces.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

994
+
-8%
-8%
Franchise fee

?

$0
Investment

?

$28,000 - $302,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$0

+
n.a.
n.a.

Chester's is a well-known franchise in the fast-food sector, celebrated for its exceptional fried chicken for many years. Established in 1952 by W.O. Giles in Birmingham, Alabama, Chester's has carved a unique position within the competitive fast-food industry.

With its headquarters still in Birmingham, the company has a rich legacy steeped in Southern hospitality and delicious cuisine. Initially a single restaurant, Chester's quickly gained a following thanks to its delectable fried chicken recipe that won over customers far and wide.

The company ventured into franchising in 2004, marking a pivotal moment in its expansion. Today, Chester's is a prominent name in the fried chicken franchise market, offering a varied menu that includes fried chicken, chicken tenders, sides, and tasty sauces.

What distinguishes Chester's from other fast-food chains is its unwavering commitment to serving consistently high-quality, hand-breaded chicken, featuring a unique spice blend that provides a memorable taste experience.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Training Fee $3,500
Insurance $0 - $10,000
Rent and Security Deposit See Note
Build-out Cost $0 - $200,000
Equipment, Furniture, Signage, and Fixtures $12,000 - $55,000
Initial Inventory $2,000 - $9,000
Grand Opening Advertising $0 - $4,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $10,000 - $20,000
Total (excluding real estate lease and purchase costs) $27,500 - $301,500

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Type of Expenditure Amount
Training Fee $3,500
Insurance $0 - $10,000
Rent and Security Deposit See Note
Build-out Cost $0 - $200,000
Equipment, Furniture, Signage, and Fixtures $12,000 - $55,000
Initial Inventory $2,000 - $9,000
Grand Opening Advertising $0 - $4,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) $10,000 - $20,000
Total (excluding real estate lease and purchase costs) $27,500 - $301,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Number of units

Training 

Chester's initial brand standard training program spans up to 4 days, blending classroom instruction with hands-on training. This intensive program is scheduled to equip trainees with essential skills and knowledge roughly one week before the restaurant's grand opening.

Key Training Topics

The training covers a wide range of crucial areas necessary for running a successful Chester's Restaurant, including:

  • Chester's Story and Training Overview: Understanding the brand's history and foundational principles.
  • Operations Manuals, Recipe Books, and Training Guides Review: Familiarizing with essential documents.
  • Local Store Marketing and Marketing Review: Strategies for effective local marketing.
  • MenuBuilder: Insights into menu planning and customization.
  • Restaurant Management: Key management principles and practices.
  • Inventory Control and Ordering: Techniques for managing stock and supplies.
  • Training Discussion and Support: Interactive discussions and support sessions.

Territory Protection

Chester's does not offer exclusive territories to its franchisees. As a result, franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, and other distribution channels or competitive brands managed by Chester's.

Franchisees are not granted any non-exclusive territory rights. Chester's and its affiliates retain the right to engage in activities they consider appropriate at any location and through any distribution channels they prefer. This includes internet sales, catalog sales, telemarketing, or other direct marketing efforts.

Franchisees are not entitled to compensation for business conducted by Chester's through these channels, regardless of the customers' location. Franchisees operating a Restaurant-in-Store franchise must conduct their business within the premises of their existing establishment.

Competitors

Below are some of

Chester's

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

994

New
+
-8%
-8%

$0

$28,000

$302,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Houston TX Hot Chicken

Houston TX Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides, serving spice-loving diners and families, and known for tiered heat levels, modern interiors, and rapid expansion across multiple U.S. markets.

Franchisees

?

17
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$671,000 - $1,760,000

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast-casual fried chicken franchise offering spicy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and fries, serving guests seeking bold Southern flavors, and known for proprietary sauces, flexible restaurant, food-truck, and ghost-kitchen models, and streamlined operations designed for rapid expansion.

Franchisees

?

9
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$237,000 - $482,000

Starbird

Starbird is a fast-casual chicken restaurant franchise offering crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, and digital-forward ordering, serving convenience-driven diners, and known for super-premium fast food positioning, tech-driven guest experience, and craveable feel-good chicken focused on quality ingredients.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$843,000 - $2,027,000

Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse

Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse is a sports-bar franchise offering wings, burgers, craft beer and live game broadcasts, serving sports fans and groups, and known for high-energy environment, full-menu variety and strong franchise support.

Franchisees

?

14
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$399,000 - $1,499,000

Hot Chikn Kitchn

Hot Chikn Kitchn is a fast-casual franchise offering elevated chicken sandwiches, tenders and comfort sides, serving millennials and lunch-dinner diners, and known for chef-driven taste, quality ingredients and modern franchise model.

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$206,000 - $688,000

Duff's Famous Wings

Duff's Famous Wings is a casual restaurant franchise offering Buffalo-style wings, sauces, and pub fare, serving sports fans and families, and known for authentic heat levels, hometown heritage, and a lively, welcoming environment.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$535,000 - $1,155,000

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