What is the total number of Chesters outlets 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, at the beginning of 2023, there were a total of 1,081 Chesters outlets. This number includes all franchised Chesters Restaurants, irrespective of their specific location types, as they all operate under the same brand and offer the same products. It's important to note that this figure does not include Licensed Restaurants operating under the "CHESTER FRIED Total Program".
For a prospective franchisee, this indicates the size and scale of the Chesters franchise system at that time. It provides a baseline for understanding the brand's market presence and potential reach. The subsequent decrease to 1,002 outlets by the end of 2023, as shown in the table, suggests that more outlets closed or ceased operations than opened during that year. This trend could be a point of further investigation for potential franchisees to understand the reasons behind the net decrease.
Understanding the dynamics of outlet numbers—openings, closures, and net changes—can offer valuable insights into the health and stability of the franchise system. While a large number of existing outlets can signify brand recognition and established processes, a declining number may warrant a closer look at franchisee profitability, support systems, or market challenges. Therefore, a prospective franchisee should discuss these trends with Chesters to gain a comprehensive understanding.
Overall, the number of outlets at the start of the year provides a snapshot of the franchise's size and can be used as a reference point when evaluating the franchise's growth, stability, and overall performance.