CHESTER'S
Chester’s International, LLC franchises quick-service restaurants under the CHESTER’S brand that specialize in chicken and sides, primarily located within convenience stores or other retail businesses as a 'Restaurant-in-Store' concept, with options for strip malls, food courts, or non-traditional sites like sports arenas. The business model grants franchises to operators integrating the brand into existing retail spaces, providing training, proprietary recipes, equipment, and ongoing support while charging initial fees and royalties. It targets experienced retail operators in high-traffic locations serving impulse buyers seeking affordable, quick fried chicken and sides.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
No royalty or ad fund. POS Technology Fee $250-$325/mo + Marketing Support Fee $200/qtr.
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CHESTER'S Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- One of the lowest investment costs in Fast Food (ranked #3 of 127)
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHESTER'S Current | $28K - $302K | $4K | N/A | 994 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for CHESTER'S franchisees (2016 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
86 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a CHESTER'S franchise?
The total initial investment to open a CHESTER'S franchise ranges from $27,500 to $301,500. This includes a franchise fee of $3,500.
How many CHESTER'S franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, CHESTER'S has 994 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 2004.
Can you get an SBA loan for a CHESTER'S franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for CHESTER'S franchises. Historical data shows 9 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for CHESTER'S franchisees, with an average loan amount of $1,770,544. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is CHESTER'S a good franchise to buy?
CHESTER'S shows several positive indicators: established brand with 994+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in CHESTER'S?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if CHESTER'S is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor