Church's Chicken's Franchising Development Team Sets Goal To Sign 1100 New Restaurant Commitments This Year

ATLANTA (Wednesday, March 15, 2006) - As the celebration continues surrounding Church's Chicken(R) joining "The Billion Dollar Club" -- reaching it's $1 billion dollar system sales milestone -- franchise development executives are pledging to award development agreements for 150 new U.S. and 950 international restaurants within the next year. This pledge is on the heels of CEO Harsha Agadi's announcement that the company will set its sights on reaching the $2 billion mark within the next five years.

That promise to double sales will depend greatly on the continued momentum of the combined franchise divisions of the company, which are credited for bringing in over 75% of that $1 billion dollar figure.

Under the domestic leadership of Doug Pendergast, Executive Vice President and Chief Franchising Officer, the chain has awarded development agreements for over 75 new franchise restaurants set to open in 10 states across the country.

"We truly believe in a 'one system' philosophy, set into motion by the new team and new owners," said Pendergast. "It's the recognition that if our franchisees are having success in their current restaurants and generating attractive returns from new development, then (and only then) the entire system grows and prospers.

"Our mantra is 'Keep it Simple' because we have a time-tested formula: simple, full flavored menu, simple operation, relatively small facilities, and a commitment to delivering a unique and authentic value proposition to our guests and our franchisees," continued Pendergast. "Now that the company is once again independent, we've been able to get back to this proven approach."

"Today we make a resounding Declaration of our Independence," said Harsha Agadi, CEO of Church's Chicken(R) at a recent celebration at headquarters. "And franchise expansion within the Church's family will serve to invigorate and strengthen our continued growth."

Further proof of this steady growth is observed as Church's Chicken slowly steals market share from KFC in the QSR sector. In fact, Church's Chicken started outperforming KFC in same-store sales during most of the second half of 2005. While the company continues to outpace KFC early this year it is also outperforming its former sister company Popeyes, experiencing double-digit increases in customer counts.

About Church's

Founded in San Antonio, Texas in 1952, Church's Chicken(tm) is a highly recognized brand name in the QSR sector, and is one of the largest quick service chicken concepts in the world. Church's Chicken(tm) serves traditional Southern and Spicy Fried Chicken with a focus on offering complete meals with large portions at low prices and is positioned as the Value Leader in the Chicken QSR category. As of February 2006, the Church's system had 1,546 locations worldwide in 16 countries, plus Puerto Rico, with system sales over $1 billion.

SOURCE: Church's Chicken

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