Church’s Texas Chicken has received a strategic growth equity investment from Golub Capital to support restaurant development, remodeling and continued expansion. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Church’s operates more than 1,500 restaurants across the United States and over 25 international markets. The brand is owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and Future Standard, which acquired the business in 2021.
Since the acquisition, Church’s has modernized its supply chain and technology systems, refreshed its menu and marketing strategy, and introduced a proprietary mobile application and loyalty program.
Average sales at domestic franchise restaurants have increased by more than $200,000 since 2021, resulting in more than $55,000 in additional average profit per location, according to the company.
Church’s generated more than $1.6 billion in systemwide sales during 2025 and recorded its first year of positive net U.S. restaurant growth since 2010.
The chain opened nearly 200 restaurants globally between 2024 and 2026. Domestic same-store sales increased approximately 19% cumulatively from the end of 2021 through the first quarter of 2026, while U.S. systemwide traffic rose more than 6%.
Church’s plans to use the investment to expand its remodeling program, accelerate company-owned restaurant openings and support growth initiatives benefiting franchisees.
The company recently appointed Bobby Morena as Chief Development Officer to lead U.S. expansion. Morena previously spent more than 15 years at Jimmy John’s, helping the chain expand from approximately 45 restaurants to more than 2,700.
Internationally, Church’s has built a development pipeline exceeding 1,500 committed locations. Recent agreements include a 600-unit development plan for China.
The investment is the second financing Golub Capital has provided to Church’s since 2024.
KEY QUOTES:
“This new capital is about adding fuel at exactly the right moment.”
“Golub Capital’s investment reflects the progress we’ve made and will help further accelerate our growth plans as Church’s continues on its trajectory.”
Ryan Pitt, Principal at High Bluff Capital Partners
“We’re posting record sales, our franchisees are seeing stronger returns than ever, and we’re winning in a category where many of our competitors are struggling.”
Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Texas Chicken
“This investment represents another milestone in Golub Capital’s longstanding relationship with Church’s.”
Greg Cashman, Vice Chair and Co-Head of Sponsor Finance at Golub Capital
