Church’s Chicken, the global brand that began serving hot fried chicken in 1952, is celebrating 65 years of service with events taking place throughout 2017. The brand will celebrate this milestone in multiple markets with festivities, special promotions, and a spotlight on the unique people, places, and food that have contributed to more than six decades of success. A key component to its anniversary celebrations includes the launch of the Days Of Service campaign. The community-oriented program, spanning multiple markets, is set to kick off in the brand’s hometown of San Antonio and will included at least six other key markets in the U.S.

“Church’s is made up of neighborhood restaurants that are genuinely connected to the unique communities they serve. The closer we are to our individual guests, the better we understand how to help each other,” says Joe Christina, CEO of Church’s Chicken. “Our goal isn’t just to serve good food that our guests love. We’re also celebrating local differences and pride within each community, and acknowledging what makes them so great. Our guests are why we’re here. They’re all different and unique. So, we’re dedicated to giving back to their communities in meaningful ways, whether that be monetary and in-kind contributions, volunteer hours, or civic pride,” Christina adds.

It’s an important commitment from one of the world’s largest chicken brands, which now operates more than 1,600 locations in 27 countries. And while the fresh, warm, hand-battered fried chicken-and-honey-butter biscuits that put the brand on the map are still a cornerstone of the great chicken experiences guests love, it’s the spirit of connection and putting people first that unites Church’s world of “chicken passionates” from their first restaurant in San Antonio all the way to Singapore.

“Our Days Of Service campaign allows us to express how deeply we care about these local communities and we’re going to inspire others to take an active role in working together to build stronger connections.”

The Days Of Service campaign will kick off in San Antonio on April 17. Other markets include Atlanta; Compton, California; McAllen, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; New Orleans; and St. Louis, Missouri. Church’s will host a special anniversary celebration in each market and conduct community-focused projects tailored to each individual community. The brand will be working with local charities and community leaders to fulfill its commitment to supporting these markets through the campaign.

“Church’s has been community service–minded throughout its history,” Christina says. “The needs of our guests in one market are vastly different from the needs of another. Making genuine connections with our guests as individuals has been a priority for us for 65 years, and we’re so proud of that.”