Chester's

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

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

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

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Below are some of

Chester's

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Started franchising
Franchisees

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Franchise fee

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Royalty fee

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Investment

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Revenue (AUV)

?

Gross Profit

?

EBITDA

?

Home-based

?

Passive investment

?

FDD
Chester's
2004
994
+
-8%
-8%
$0
n.a.

$28,000

-

$302,000

n.a.

$0

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

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No
Upgrade
No
No
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No
2022
2
+
n.a.
n.a.
$30,000
5.00%

$478,000

-

$834,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,073,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
Upgrade
2023
1
+
n.a.
n.a.
$50,000
6.00%

$603,000

-

$1,323,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$2,107,000

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
Upgrade
2002
38
+
-19%
-19%
$35,000
5% - 8%

$192,000

-

$795,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2022
5
+
n.a.
n.a.
$40,000
6.00%

$206,000

-

$688,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
No
Upgrade
No
2004
30
+
-3%
-3%
$40,000
5.00%

$408,000

-

$1,233,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$1,802,000

63.4%

n.a.

Upgrade

14.9%

n.a.

Upgrade
No
Upgrade
No
Yes
Upgrade
Yes
2010
21
+
0%
0%
$25,000
5.00%

$358,000

-

$2,699,000

Upgrade

n.a.

$0

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade

n.a.

n.a.

Upgrade
Upgrade
Upgrade

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Total investment

?

Revenue (AUV)

?

Revenue growth (last 3 years)

?

Profit margin

?

Franchise Disclosure Documents
Advanced filtering and sorting
Watchlist

?

Priority support

?

A comprehensive and transparent look at franchising finances. The inclusion of profit margins and disclosure documents offers insights you can’t find elsewhere. Essential for anyone considering a franchise investment.

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Franchisee

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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.

Number of units

2025
Franchised units

1081

1002

994

Company-owned units

0

0

0

Total units

1081

1002

994

Competitors

Chuck's Hot Chicken

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$478,000 - $834,000

Angry Chickz

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,323,000

WOW American Eats

Franchisees

?

38
+
-19%
-19%
Investment

?

$192,000 - $795,000

HCK Hot Chicken

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$206,000 - $688,000

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Revenue (AUV)

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