What is the case number for the Second Texas Action involving Churchs Chicken?
Churchs_Chicken Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Store Master Funding XXIX, LLC v. Triangle Capital Properties, LLC and Royal Texas, LLC, Case No. 4:23-cv-01194 (United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division) On July 31, 2024, Triangle filed a third-party complaint against our affiliates, Cajun Operating Company and Cajun Houston Holdings, LLC (the "Cajun Texas Parties") in an action originally filed against Triangle and Royal Texas by their landlord ("Store") for certain of the properties at which Royal Texas had previously operated franchised restaurants in Houston, Texas (the "Second Texas Action"), Case No. 4:23 cv-01194 (United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas). In the Second Texas Federal Action, Triangle claims that Cajun Texas Parties tortiously interfered with Triangles leases with Store by allegedly influencing Store to default Triangle on those leases in order for the Cajun Texas Parties to take possession of those locations. The Cajun Texas Parties have filed a motion to dismiss all claims. In April 2025, the Magistrate Judge issued a recommendation that all claims against the Cajun Texas Parties be transferred to the stayed Texas Federal Action. This recommendation remains pending.
Source: Item 3 — LITIGATION (FDD pages 14–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the case number for the Second Texas Action is Case No. 4:23-cv-01194. This action involves Store Master Funding XXIX, LLC v. Triangle Capital Properties, LLC and Royal Texas, LLC in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Triangle Capital Properties, LLC filed a third-party complaint against Churchs Chicken's affiliates, Cajun Operating Company and Cajun Houston Holdings, LLC.
The dispute originated from a claim by Triangle that the Cajun Texas Parties interfered with Triangle's leases with Store by influencing Store to default Triangle on those leases, allegedly so that the Cajun Texas Parties could take possession of those locations. As of April 2025, a Magistrate Judge recommended that all claims against the Cajun Texas Parties be transferred to the stayed Texas Federal Action, and this recommendation was pending.
For a prospective franchisee, this litigation highlights the importance of understanding the relationships between Churchs Chicken and its affiliates, as well as the potential for disputes involving property leases and business interference. It also shows that Churchs Chicken is actively defending itself and its affiliates in legal matters, which could have financial implications for the company and, by extension, its franchisees. Franchisees should be aware of these types of legal challenges and how they might affect the overall stability and reputation of the Churchs Chicken brand.