Church’s Chicken has opened a new location in Kayenta, Arizona. This is the third location for its franchisee, Michael Nelson, and the third Church’s restaurant located on the Navajo Indian reservation. The other two locations are in Chinle, Arizona, and Window Rock, Arizona.  There are total of 20 active Church’s Chicken locations throughout the state.

Nelson opened this location in response to strong, steady sales from his other two Church’s stores in the same general area.

“Both the Navajo community and guests in surrounding areas have been very positive,” Nelson says. “Being a Church’s franchisee for the past 25 years has allowed me to operate two successful locations, and I am eager to continue my growth with the brand. I am thrilled about bringing our hand-battered fried chicken and signature honey-butter biscuits to the citizens of Kayenta.”

Nelson lives in Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Indian Reservation, and is a member of the Navajo Indian tribe. The only franchise owner of a Church’s Chicken on the reservation, he first decided to invest back in 1991. Prior to his initial investment, Nelson looked into several other franchising opportunities but after attending a Church’s convention, he decided on Church’s Chicken because of the vast amount of diversity he witnessed.

The Kayenta restaurant features Church’s STAR Initiative Design package, which includes contemporary dining room décor highlighted by new seating installations, modern color palettes on both the interior and exterior, enhanced architectural elements; sconce lighting indoors; and shaded canopies outdoors.

“Church’s has always been committed to its franchisees and customers,” says Bill Schreiber, vice president of global business development at Church’s Chicken. “This new restaurant design is a direct reflection of that, and we’re pleased with our continued expansion.”