Is a Churchs Chicken franchisee required to become a member of a purchasing cooperative, and if so, what are the obligations?

According to Churchs Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a franchisee may be required to become a member of a purchasing cooperative if Churchs Chicken requires it. If membership is required, the franchisee must pay all reasonable membership fees assessed by the cooperative.

This means that Churchs Chicken has the discretion to mandate participation in a purchasing cooperative. These cooperatives are designed to leverage the collective buying power of franchisees to potentially secure better pricing and terms on supplies. However, franchisees are responsible for covering the membership fees associated with the cooperative.

It is important for prospective franchisees to understand the potential costs and benefits of joining a purchasing cooperative. While it could lead to savings on supplies, the membership fees could offset some of those savings. Franchisees should inquire about the specific cooperatives Churchs Chicken utilizes, the fees involved, and the potential advantages of membership.