How many Chesters outlets were operating at the start of 2023?
Chesters Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at the Start of the Year | Outlets at the End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised | 2022 | 1076 | 1081 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1081 | 1002 | -79 | |
| 2024 | 1002 | 994 | -8 | |
| Company-Owned | 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total Outlets | 2022 | 1076 | 1081 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1081 | 1002 | -79 | |
| 2024 | 1002 | 994 | -8 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 38–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chesters's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 1,081 Chesters franchised outlets operating at the start of 2023. This number reflects the total number of franchised locations open and operating under the Chesters brand as of January 1, 2023.
It is important to note that this number does not include licensed restaurants operated under the "CHESTER FRIED Total Program," as these are distinct from franchised Chesters restaurants. The FDD specifies that the data includes all franchised Chesters restaurants regardless of their specific location type, as they all operate under the same brand and sell the same products.
Analyzing the change in outlet numbers from year to year can provide insight into the stability and growth of the Chesters franchise system. For example, the document shows that during 2023, the number of Chesters outlets decreased by 79, ending the year with 1,002 locations. This decrease could be due to closures, terminations, or non-renewals of franchise agreements.