Staffing

Church's Texas Chicken promotes COO to CEO

Photo: Adobe Stock

February 24, 2025

Church's Texas Chicken has promoted Roland Gonzalez to CEO. Gonzalez previously served as COO the past two years and succeeds Joe Guith, who was named CEO in 2022, according to a press release.

Gonzalez also held senior leadership roles at major quick-service restaurant brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, where he implemented successful global growth strategies and delivered high-impact results across RBI's portfolio of 20,000-plus restaurants.

"Church's Texas Chicken has made significant strides toward revitalizing its legendary brand by focusing on delivering outstanding, bold-flavored chicken, enhancing service and value to customers and staying true to our community-oriented roots. We thank Joe for being an important part of the first major phase of our transformation as he moves on to his next chapter," Anand Gowda, parent company High Bluff Capital Partners founder, said in the release. "Our priority now is to build on this progress and significantly accelerate our momentum and expansion as we strive to reach $2 billion in system sales within the next few years while maximizing franchisee profitability."

Gonzales said he is honored to lead the brand at an inflection point in its growth journey.

"With a rich history of quality, bold flavor and being truly invested in the communities we serve, Church's holds a special place in the hearts of millions," Gonzalez said in the release. "I look forward to working alongside our talented team and valued franchisee partners to drive innovation, enhance our guest experience and expand our footprint globally. We have only begun to scratch the surface of the tremendous opportunity ahead."

Church's Texas Chicken, along with its international sister brand Texas Chicken, has more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries.