Our Story

Bold Flavors, Real People
Behind Every Bite

From our humble beginnings to becoming Lakewood's favorite chicken spot — discover the passion, people, and principles that drive everything we do.

Church's Chicken kitchen team preparing fresh food
30+
Years of Bold Flavor

Started With a Passion
For Real Chicken

Church's Chicken was born from a simple but powerful idea: that great chicken should be accessible to everyone. Founded in the heart of the community, our restaurant has always stood for bold flavors, generous portions, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel right at home.

From the very first crispy bite, we knew we had something special. Our secret? Fresh, never-frozen chicken marinated in our signature blend of spices and hand-battered to golden perfection. Every piece is cooked to order, ensuring that what arrives on your plate is always at its absolute best.

Over the years, we've grown into a beloved institution in Lakewood, WA — but we've never lost sight of what made us great: authentic flavors, genuine hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to quality that our community deserves.

30+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Customers
20+
Menu Items
4.8★
Avg. Rating

Mission, Vision & Core Values

Everything we do is guided by these three pillars — our compass for serving you better, every single day.

Our Mission

To serve boldly seasoned, consistently delicious chicken that brings people together — delivering warmth, flavor, and value to every guest who walks through our doors or places an order online.

Our Vision

To be the most loved and trusted chicken restaurant in the Pacific Northwest — a place where quality never takes a backseat, and every customer leaves more satisfied than when they arrived.

Our Promise

We promise to never compromise on freshness, flavor, or hospitality. From the sourcing of our ingredients to the smile at the counter — every detail is done with pride and a genuine love for great food.

A Rich History of Flavor

From our first fry to our most recent milestone — here's the story of how Church's Chicken became a Lakewood institution.

1952

The Beginning

Church's Chicken was founded by George W. Church Sr. in San Antonio, Texas, just across from the Alamo. With a simple fried chicken recipe and unwavering commitment to quality, the first location served 5-cent chicken to locals.

1969

Franchise Expansion

Church's Chicken began franchising, rapidly spreading its bold flavors across the United States. The brand's reputation for crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken grew with each new location, building a loyal fanbase nationwide.

1993

Lakewood Location Opens

Our beloved Lakewood, WA location opened its doors for the first time at 11701 Bridgeport Way SW. The community welcomed us with open arms, and we've been serving the neighborhood ever since with the same passion and recipes.

2008

Menu Innovation

We expanded our menu to include signature sides, honey-butter biscuits, and spicy chicken varieties that quickly became fan favorites. Customer feedback drove every new addition, keeping our menu fresh and exciting for all tastes.

2018

Community Recognition

Church's Chicken Lakewood was recognized as one of the top-rated fast food restaurants in Pierce County, earning numerous local awards for customer service, food quality, and community involvement. A milestone we're deeply proud of.

2024

Digital Ordering Launch

We launched our new online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for our loyal customers to order their favorite Church's Chicken from home. Modernizing without losing what makes us special — that's always the goal.

The People Behind the Flavor

Our team is the heart of everything we do. Passionate, dedicated, and always ready with a smile — meet the folks who make Church's Chicken special.

Marcus Johnson

General Manager

With over 15 years in the food industry, Marcus leads our team with infectious energy and a relentless focus on quality and guest experience.

Sofia Ramirez

Head Chef

Sofia is the culinary genius behind our signature seasoning blends. A classically trained chef with a deep love for Southern cooking traditions.

Derek Williams

Customer Experience Lead

Derek ensures every customer leaves with a smile. His team-first attitude and passion for hospitality set the tone for outstanding service daily.

Amara Chen

Operations Manager

Amara keeps everything running like clockwork. Her expertise in restaurant operations ensures every order is fresh, fast, and exactly right.

Our Core Values

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision, recipe, and interaction we have.

Fresh Ingredients

We never compromise on the quality of our ingredients. Every piece of chicken is fresh, sourced responsibly, and prepared daily to ensure bold, authentic flavor in every bite.

Community First

Lakewood is our home, and we take that seriously. From hiring locally to supporting neighborhood events, we're committed to giving back to the community that has always supported us.

Uncompromising Quality

From our secret seasoning to our hand-crafted biscuits, quality is the standard — not the exception. Every menu item is held to the same rigorous standard that our reputation is built on.

Honest Service

We believe in transparency, fairness, and genuine hospitality. No hidden fees, no shortcuts — just honest, friendly service that treats every customer like family.

Continuous Innovation

We honor our classic recipes while always looking for ways to innovate. New flavors, better processes, and smarter technology — we evolve so we can serve you better tomorrow.

Sustainability

We care about our planet as much as we care about our food. From responsible sourcing to reducing waste, we're actively working to make our operations more sustainable for future generations.

Experience the Flavor That
Built a Legacy

Now that you know our story, come be a part of it. Place your order today and taste the tradition that has delighted Lakewood for over 30 years.