When the Check-In Matters More Than the Check
Silence between visits erodes restaurant loyalty. Data-driven recognition, smart triggers, and small gestures boost repeat visits, retention, and profits.
Jun 13, 2026
Silence between visits erodes restaurant loyalty. Data-driven recognition, smart triggers, and small gestures boost repeat visits, retention, and profits.
Jun 13, 2026
Menu sprawl bloats costs and slows kitchens. Data-driven pruning and smarter POS analytics help restaurants protect margins.
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Oakwell Beer Spa plans a 2026 U.S. franchise after $2.6M Denver sales, blending spa suites and taproom experiences amid rising gender-neutral, social wellness demand.
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Chipotle gives Rewards members a free Cilantro Lime Sauce with any entrée for Father’s Day week, tying the offer to loyalty growth and Summer of Extras push.
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EEOC ramps up franchise enforcement, securing settlements and reforms; Applebee’s operator pays $270K amid broader actions across brands.
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Entries due June 22 at 11:59 pm. Winners in September 2026. Criteria include investment, sales, support, and franchisee feedback.
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Daland Corp. revives classic Pizza Hut dine-in in small towns, fueling emotional pull and sales as Yum weighs a sale and closures reshape the brand.
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Creator Jake Shane fronts Panera’s $4.99 Salad Stuffer bundle, linking Mix & Match value to RISE strategy and testing social-led demand.
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Krystal elevates Amanda Hyde to COO, advancing a franchisee-first plan with digital menus, remodels, and SPB’s Playbook to drive growth and trust in 2026.
Jun 12, 2026
How guest behavior, data, and POS analytics turn table-side discoveries into profitable, scalable menu strategy for restaurants in 2026.
Jun 12, 2026
Explore how Church’s Chicken is accelerating franchise expansion and profitability, and the impact of recent leadership changes on brand reach and operational excellence.


Under the leadership of Guith, Church’s Chicken embarked on a journey to revitalize its brand by focusing on service enhancements and delivering greater value to its customers. By enhancing the overall guest experience, the chain aimed to attract new customers and retain loyal patrons. One of the key initiatives undertaken was to bring back the original chicken recipe, a strategic move to rekindle the nostalgia among customers and differentiate Church’s offerings in a competitive market.
With a goal to achieve $2 billion in systemwide sales, Church’s Chicken is prioritizing accelerated expansion and maximizing franchise profitability. The company's current systemwide sales stand at $1.5 billion, with over 1,500 locations spanning across 26 countries. In the U.S. alone, Church’s operates more than 770 restaurants, each boasting an average unit volume surpassing $1 million. This emphasis on expansion and profitability underscores the strategic focus aimed at strengthening the brand's market presence and financial performance.

The appointment of Gonzalez as the new leader signifies Church’s commitment to driving operational excellence through global business strategies and process improvements. Gonzalez's extensive experience in strengthening franchisee partnerships, enhancing guest experiences, and expanding brand reach in competitive markets positions Church’s for sustained growth and success. His background at Burger King and Restaurant Brands International highlights his ability to navigate and excel in challenging industry landscapes.
The recent leadership changes at Church’s, including the appointment of Navin Sharma as chief marketing officer and Alisa P. Cleek as chief legal officer, signal a comprehensive shift in the company's C-suite. These strategic appointments aim to bolster marketing strategies, enhance legal compliance, and further fortify Church’s position in the competitive fast-food industry. The realignment of leadership and expertise underscores the brand's continuous efforts to innovate and refine its operations for sustained growth.