Church’s Chicken was founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1952.
George W. Church Sr. opened the first Church’s Fried Chicken To Go across from the Alamo. The original business focused on fried chicken sold for takeaway, a format that helped it expand as American fast food developed after World War II.
The chain later shortened its name to Church’s Chicken in the United States. In many international markets it is known as Texas Chicken, a name used to distinguish the brand and emphasize its Texas association.
Church’s Chicken is separate from KFC, despite both chains becoming prominent American fried-chicken franchises. Their founders, brand histories, and early locations are different, and Church’s began in San Antonio rather than Kentucky.