Chester's to Reach 2,000-Restaurant Milestone

WILLISTON, N.D. -- Quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain Chester's International will open its 2,000th location at a Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores location here tomorrow.

"Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication and efforts of the entire Chester's team," said Ted Giles, president and CEO of Chester's. "I am thrilled to share the continued growth of the Chester's brand." Chester's was founded by his father, W.O. Giles, in 1952.

Love's became Chester's first franchise in 2004. Today, Love's operates 50 franchised Chester's locations.

"From the beginning of the Love's and Chester's partnership, Chester's has brought great brand recognition and an outstanding product to each of our partner locations," said Joe Cotton, director of restaurant services at Love's. "Congratulations to the Chester's organization on reaching this milestone. We are excited to be part of the celebration."

Although the Williston, N.D., store opening is Chester's 2,000th, the QSR chain has been busy opening locations in the past two weeks. Just opened were locations in Carthage, Ill., and West Portsmouth, Ohio, as well as five remodeled locations West Memphis, Ark.,

The West Carthage location opened inside a Circle K store yesterday. Grand-opening festivities including an appearance by Chester the Chicken and special promotions.

The West Portsmouth Chester's is located inside Boland's Mini Mart. The QSR site is open seven days a week and is located near U.S. Highway 52.

In West Memphis, Chester's held grand-opening celebrations for five remodeled QSRs in Flash Market. "We are excited to continue with this venture with Chester's Chicken," said Keith Brown, foodservice director for Flash Market Inc. "With a Chester's marketing plan and our operational strengths, we hope to sell a lot of chicken."

Chester's is known for its bone-in chicken, chicken tenders and boneless chicken wings.