Rank no. 95 – Chester’s – US
Rank no. 95 – Chester’s – US
Products & Services: Quick-service chicken restaurant
Number of Locations: 1,117
Total Investment: $4.63K – 348.11K
Founded: 1952
Began Franchising: 2004
About Chester’s
W.O. Giles started Chester’s in 1952, and though he started out frying doughnuts with his patented fryers, it was fried chicken that became the focus of his business. His son, Ted Giles, is the current CEO of the company, which began franchising in 2004, after previously following a licensing business model. Chester’s has locations in college campuses, airports, convenience stores, truck stops and supermarkets.
Franchise Units
| YEAR | U.S. | CANADIAN | INTERNATIONAL | COMPANY OWNED |
| 2013 | 1,080 | 6 | 31 | 0 |
| 2012 | 917 | 5 | 30 | 0 |
| 2011 | 669 | 4 | 15 | 0 |
| 2010 | 415 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| 2009 | 182 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $4,634 – $348,115
Franchise Fee: $0 – $3,500
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $0 – $3,500
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
| FINANCING TYPE | IN-HOUSE | THIRD PARTY |
| Franchise Fee | ||
| Startup Costs | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Inventory | ||
| Accounts Receivable | ||
| Payroll |
How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: At franchisee’s location: 4 days.
Ongoing Support: Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
Marketing Support: Ad slicks,
Other marketing support: In-store promotional items
Franchise Ranking History
Franchise 500®: #95 (2013), #134 (2012), #229 (2011), #284 (2010), #74 (2009),
Fastest-Growing: #6 (2013), #7 (2012), #11 (2011), #24 (2010), #95 (2009),
Low-Cost: #70 (2010),
Top New: #4 (2009),
America’s Top Global: #74 (2013), #111 (2012), #180 (2011), #63 (2009),
