Chester's Continues Aggressive Growth

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Chester's International is continuing a year of heavy growth, with 30 new locations set to open this month. More than 100 new franchises of the quick-serve fried chicken program have opened so far in 2011, according to the company.

The newest Chester's locations can be found inside the City Meat Market in Dallas, Texas; Eagle Convenience Stores in Oberlin, Kan.; Family Foods in North English, Iowa; Family Pantry in Manitowoc, Wis.; and Shurfine Food Center in Burwell, Neb.

"We welcome these new locations to the Chester's family," said Kathryn Kudulis, brand manager for Chester's International. "Chester's continued growth is a testament of our retailer's ongoing dedication to the Chester's brand and the continued support of their customers. We are proud to offer a QSR program that enables our operators to be successful in today's competitive market."

Earlier this month, Chester's reopened a restaurant in Irvington, Ala. The location is a local landmark due to the presence of a 10-foot chicken statue erected in the parking lot. "Chester's brings consistency, ongoing support and great tasting chicken to our location," said Pulin Patel, owner of the CITGO Quickstop at 6831 Hwy 90 West. "We are excited to be part of the Chester's team."

Rankin Belkofer, director of operations for Chester's International, added: "Pulin Patel has demonstrated his commitment to the Chester's brand by reinvesting in the location’s future. We are proud to offer a franchise program that will enable him to boost sales and maintain a quality product that his customers will love."

On June 30, Chester's held a special grand-opening event to celebrate its new franchise in Rhome, Texas, inside a Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores location at the intersection of Highways 287 and 114. Festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an appearance by Chester the Chicken himself.

"We are excited to catapult the brand forward through growth with Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores," said James Venable, vice president of operations at Chester's International. "Their motto of 'Clean Places, Friendly Faces,' meshed with Chester's fresh fried chicken, makes it a welcome stop on the freeway system."

The Rhome location is co-branded with McDonald's and offers free Internet access, dine-in seating and a game room.