Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the world’s leading quick-service chicken restaurant chains, has announced the appointment of Roland Gonzalez as its new Chief Executive Officer. Gonzalez, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), brings decades of experience in the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. His leadership and strategic expertise have already played a key role in the company’s transformation over the past two years, making him a natural choice to lead Church’s Texas Chicken® into its next phase of growth and expansion. Gonzalez succeeds Joe Guith, who had been at the helm since 2022.
A highly respected and dynamic executive, Gonzalez has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, implementing growth-focused strategies, and fostering strong franchisee relationships. His leadership style is centered on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, all of which have significantly contributed to Church’s Texas Chicken® ongoing success. Prior to joining the company, Gonzalez held senior leadership roles at several major quick-service restaurant brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded successful global expansion initiatives, enhanced operational efficiency, and delivered impressive results across Restaurant Brands International’s (RBI) vast network of over 20,000 restaurants worldwide.
Gonzalez’s experience in managing multi-brand portfolios, optimizing restaurant operations, and strengthening franchise partnerships has positioned him as a visionary leader in the industry. His appointment as CEO signals Church’s Texas Chicken® commitment to accelerating its growth trajectory, enhancing customer experiences, and solidifying its presence in key markets worldwide. His expertise in business transformation, coupled with his deep understanding of consumer preferences, will be instrumental in shaping the brand’s future direction.
High Bluff Capital Partners, the private investment firm that owns Church’s Texas Chicken®, expressed confidence in Gonzalez’s ability to lead the brand through its next major phase of evolution. Anand Gowda, founder of High Bluff Capital Partners, highlighted the company’s recent successes and the critical role Gonzalez has played in its transformation.
“Church’s Texas Chicken® has made significant strides in revitalizing its legendary brand by delivering bold-flavored, high-quality chicken, enhancing customer service, and staying true to our roots as a community-oriented brand. Under Joe Guith’s leadership, we have completed the first major phase of this transformation, and we thank him for his contributions as he moves on to his next endeavor,” said Gowda. “Our priority now is to build on this momentum and accelerate our expansion efforts to achieve our ambitious goal of reaching $2 billion in system sales within the next few years while maximizing franchisee profitability.”
Gowda continued, “To that end, we are excited to welcome Roland Gonzalez as our new CEO. As COO, he has already made a tremendous impact on Church’s transformation. His deep industry knowledge, commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to franchisee success make him the ideal leader to guide the company through its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Gonzalez expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment for the brand. “I am honored to lead this incredible brand at a time of tremendous opportunity and transformation,” he said. “With a rich history of serving high-quality, bold-flavored chicken and a deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve, Church’s Texas Chicken® holds a special place in the hearts of millions. I look forward to working closely with our talented team and valued franchisee partners to drive continued innovation, enhance the guest experience, and expand our footprint globally.”
Gonzalez emphasized that the company is only beginning to tap into its full potential. “We have an incredible foundation in place, and the opportunities ahead of us are vast. By focusing on strategic growth initiatives, enhancing our menu offerings, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we will continue to elevate our brand and deliver even greater value to our customers and franchise partners.”
Before joining Church’s Texas Chicken®, Gonzalez held numerous executive positions across the QSR industry. In addition to his roles at Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes, he served as Executive Vice President for Operations at Virtual Dining Concepts, where he played a key role in developing innovative virtual restaurant models. He also led global operations standards and strategy at Restaurant Brands International, where he was instrumental in implementing operational best practices and driving efficiency across the company’s international markets.
Gonzalez’s appointment comes at a time when Church’s Texas Chicken® is experiencing significant momentum. Over the past several years, the company has focused on revitalizing its brand image, modernizing its restaurant formats, and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The company has also made substantial investments in digital transformation, improving customer engagement through mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and enhanced drive-thru and delivery capabilities.
Looking ahead, Gonzalez is expected to lead the company’s aggressive expansion strategy, with a strong focus on franchise development and international market penetration. Church’s Texas Chicken® has already identified key growth markets and is actively working on new restaurant openings and franchise partnerships. Under Gonzalez’s leadership, the company will continue to prioritize quality, innovation, and customer-centric strategies to strengthen its position as a leading player in the highly competitive QSR landscape.
With a legacy spanning over seven decades, Church’s Texas Chicken® remains a beloved brand known for its flavorful fried chicken, homestyle sides, and commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience. As the company embarks on its next phase of growth under Gonzalez’s leadership, it is well-positioned to build on its success and achieve new milestones in the years to come.
