Chester's International
Chester’s International, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is a fried chicken quick-service restaurant in the U.S.[1] W.O. Giles founded Chester's in October 1965 and adopted Chester the Chicken as the emerging foodservice company's mascot,[2] named for the Chester Goode character on Gunsmoke, a favorite TV show of Giles'. In late 2012, the company moved its headquarters to the Birmingham suburb of Mountain Brook, Alabama.[3]
Today, Chester's is predominately found as a foodservice offering in convenience stores and travel plazas across the country, such as Pilot Flying J,[4] Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, and TravelCenters of America.
The company began franchising its concept in July 2004 and has grown to in-line locations in shopping plazas and mall food courts. As of July 2012, the chain has more than 1,800 locations worldwide.[5]
References
- ↑ "Chester’s International Expansion Plans Come Home to Roost". QSR. October 18, 2005. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ↑ "Beloved Chester the Chicken Turns 40 and Invites Everyone to the Celebration with a Birthday Party and 40 Cent Chicken Tenders" (Press release). Franchise Bison. September 23, 2005. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ↑ Poe, Ryan (May 25, 2012). "Family-owned Chester’s moves HQ to spot in Mountain Brook". Birmingham Business Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
- ↑ http://pilotflyingj.com/pilot-flying-j-restaurants
- ↑ "Chester's International adds 3 stores". Birmingham Business Journal. July 20, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.