Church’s Texas Chicken Inks 600-Unit China Deal

Church’s Texas Chicken, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken outside of the U.S., has inked a deal that will lead to 600 or more restaurants across China over the next several years. The deal marks the brand’s largest international development agreement to date. The first restaurant will open in Shanghai this summer.

The expansion into China builds on Church’s growth across Europe and other global markets in 2025. “China presents a significant opportunity,” says Tim Wadell, executive vice president, international business at Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken, in the release. The brand will work with Deke Shengtang, a local operator with multiple QSR brands, to support its entry into the market.

Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken have more than 1,400 locations in 22 countries and global markets. In November, the brand appointed Bobby Morena as its chief development officer.