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How innovation is fueling the fried chicken wars at c-stores

Fried chicken brands have been turning to new, distinct flavors and product innovation to stand out in the competitive convenience store market. 

Chester’s Fried Chicken, meanwhile, unveiled an entirely new system for preparing and holding chicken in July aimed at bolstering sales opportunities, addressing waste, and improving food presentation and ease of use. 

Chester’s believes chicken is a growth driver in the c-store space and that operators are seeking foodservice partners that innovate, said William Culpepper, the company’s vice president of marketing. Dubbed Chester’s 2.0, the new system, which boasts faster cook times and longer hold times for fried chicken, positions the company to “lead that charge,” he said. 

Chester’s Chicken Unveils New Merchandiser

Chester’s Chicken is debuting Chester’s 2.0—"a new Crispy Station merchandiser, alongside a two-basket fryer and refreshed packaging,” the company said in a press release sent to NACS.

Developed in partnership with Marshall Air, Chester’s said the Crispy Station merchandiser “holds chicken hot, crispy and fresh for up to three times longer than most c-store merchandisers.” Leveraging proprietary ThermoGlo technology, Chester’s said the Crispy Station extends tender hold times, resulting in less waste, creates more sales opportunities and delivers consistent food.

“But Chester’s 2.0 is more than a merchandiser. The upgraded platform also includes a two-basket frying system, allowing operators to fry two products at once which means that operators can fill the hot case in half the time. In addition, Chester’s is introducing a revamped packaging suite featuring heat-resistant cups and lids, allowing for pre-packaged sides. These enhancements improve efficiency, speed of service and product quality across the board,” Chester’s said.

Chester’s Chicken Introduces Bone-In Wings

Customers across 1,200 Chester's locations can find the new offering featuring the company's signature flavors.

Chester's Chicken Undresses Chicken Bites for the Summer

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Summer is coming in hot, and Chester's Chicken is removing some layers. Chester's fan favorite fried Chicken Bites will be available for the first time in their natural state – un-sauced and ready for dipping – starting today through mid-September at participating Chester's locations nationwide.

"Our Chicken Bites are like nuggets, only better, so we're excited to finally offer these au naturel, which also gives guests control over their own sauce experience," said William Culpepper, VP of marketing, Chester's Chicken.

Chester's Chicken Introduces the '5 Buk Box' Nationwide for Limited Time

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh fried chicken lovers looking for a hot deal to warm up their winter are in luck. Chester's Chicken is rolling out the 5 Buk Box.

For a limited time starting today until mid-May at participating Chester's locations nationwide, guests have the option to choose from three budget-friendly meals on the menu, each for $5. The 5 Buk Box includes a choice of:

• Leg, Thigh & Biscuit
• Leg, Wing & Biscuit
• 5 Chicken Bites & Biscuit

"Our new 5 Buk Box satisfies cravings for the juiciest, crispiest chicken on the go without compromising on taste or affordability," said William Culpepper, VP of marketing, Chester's Chicken. "It's a win for guests demanding value and our operators who pride themselves on delivering exceptional experiences."

For more information on Chester's Chicken and to see the full menu, visit chesterschicken.com.

Golden Opportunities — Why These Chicken Franchises Are Sizzling in 2024

9. Chester's

• Founded: 1952
• Franchising since: 2004
• Overall rank: 267
• Initial investment: $28,000-$297,000
• Leadership: Wynn Giles, Managing Director
• Parent company: N/A

Chester's, established in 1952, specializes in fresh, marinated, double-breaded fried chicken using a secret family recipe. With locations in convenience stores, truck stops and supermarkets, the brand began franchising in 2004 after initially focusing on corporate-owned stores. The menu includes bone-in chicken, tenders, biscuits and sides like potato wedges and mashed potatoes. Chester's emphasizes teamwork, honesty and a fun atmosphere, offering extensive training and support for franchisees. They provide guidance on operations, including waste management, margin calculation, upselling and chicken frying techniques.

To learn more about Chester's franchise opportunities, click here.

Hot Flavors: Six Brands That Crushed Sampling at NACS 2024

Chester’s

The fried chicken brand set up a “walk-through” mimicking the actual store setup, inviting attendees to “fuel up with flavor” sampling its full-sized offerings, including Bourbon bites, biscuits and chicken sandwiches. With their lunch in hand, the next logical place for them to go was the standing tables at the front of the exhibit and have a conversation about franchise partnerships. 

7-Eleven, Circle K, Chester's Chicken Top Franchise Systems

No. 164: Chester’s Chicken 

Global Sales: $408,305,162

Percent Franchised: 100%

Percent International Units: 6%

Investment Range: $27,500 - $296,500

Initial Investment: $12,000 - $50,000

Chester’s Chicken Unveils Kentucky Bourbon Bites

Chester’s Chicken is getting a little more Southern this fall. For a limited time, Kentucky Bourbon Bites are on the menu at participating Chester’s locations nationwide.

Kentucky Bourbon Bites are made with Chester’s marinated breast chunks, which were introduced last year and have recently picked up an award from CStore Decisions’ 2024 Hot New Products Contest. The chicken is sauced and tossed in Cattlemen’s Kentucky Bourbon BBQ Sauce, which blends the smooth flavors of oaky bourbon, sweet molasses and warm, signature spices for the perfect Southern flavor in every bite.

Announcing the Winners of CStore Decisions’ 2024 Hot New Products Contest

Winners were determined based on key factors for success at c-stores, including innovation, packaging and more. Each year, thousands of new products and services enter the convenience store industry. But which ones will thrive in today’s competitive marketplace? CStore Decisions’ 2024 Hot New Products Contest evaluated a number of new product launches and is awarding the products set for success at c-stores this year.

Foodservice

Gold: Ruiz Foods Inc. — El Monterey Stuff’d Nachos

Silver: Rich Products — Meat Trio Fully Topped Flatbread

Silver: Cheesewich Factory — Breakfast Taco

Bronze: Chester’s Chicken — Chester’s Frozen Marinated Breast Chunks