OUR STORY
A LEGACY OF FAMILY & FLAVOR
The roots of the Chester’s business date back to 1952, when W.O Giles started frying donuts, and later, chicken, with his patented fryers in Montgomery, AL.
In 1965, Chester the Chicken came to life with his cowboy hat, bandana, and spurs. Adding proprietary products to the lineup created the brand’s signature taste and became known as Chester Fried in 1974. In 2022, “Fried” was dropped from the brand name, and it became “Chester’s.”
In March of 2004, Chester’s transitioned from a licensed QSR concept to a growth-driven franchise model. Ted W. Giles, son of the founder, is credited with growing the brand on three continents.
In 2017, Wynn Giles succeeded his father, Ted, representing the third-generation of Giles family leadership at Chester’s. Wynn and his team have focused heavily on new product development, streamlining the supply chain, and creating a more robust support system for existing franchise partners. Today, Chester’s remains a family-owned business with an aggressive growth strategy and over 1,300 franchised and licensed locations in the US and Canada. The market primary consists of store-in-store concepts, including convenience stores, truck stops, supermarkets, and other similar venues with locations all over the country.
CHESTER'S THROUGH THE YEARS
1952
W.O. Giles started frying donuts and chicken in Montgomery, AL.
1965
"Chester the Chicken" came to life with his cowboy hat, bandana, and spurs.
1974
The brand became known as “Chester Fried” and focused exclusively on fried chicken.
1986
Ted Giles succeeded his father and started expanding the brand beyond the South.
2002
Chester's shifted to a growth-driven franchise and rapidly increased its location footprint.
2004
The name "Fried" was dropped, and the brand simply became known as Chester's.
2017
Wynn Giles became a third generation owner and focused on innovation and support.
2020
Chester's introduced a full brand refresh with a new logo, brand identity, and more.
2021
Chester's launched new products like the Fried Chicken Sandwich, new sides, and more.
2024
Andrew Zimmerman stopped by our NACS booth to sample some delicious tenders!
2025
Chester's is a staple on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list and continues to innovate.
OUR CORE PURPOSE
Chester’s Core Purpose is To Provide Delicious Food In Surprising Places. With a focus on quality products and flexible locations, we hope our customers enjoy Chester’s on any road they’re travelling on.
OUR CORE VALUES
Embracing Constant Evolution Winning as a Team Delivering Exceptional Value Being Direct, Respectful, and Honest Fried Chicken is Fun!
OUR CULTURE
READY TO START FRYIN' UP YOUR FUTURE?
