Who Owns Chicken Express? The Story Behind the Southern Fried Chicken Empire

Ever pulled up to a Chicken Express drive-thru and wondered who’s behind this popular Southern chicken joint? Well I’ve been curious too so I dug into the history of this regional fast food powerhouse that’s been servin’ up some of the tastiest fried chicken across Texas and neighboring states for decades.

The Founders: Richard and Nancy Stuart

Chicken Express is owned and founded by Richard and Nancy Stuart, who established the company through their business entity Stuart Group Inc. back in 1988. The couple opened their very first Chicken Express restaurant in March of that year in Benbrook, Texas, and have been fryin’ up success ever since!

What started as a single location has grown into a substantial regional chain with more than 200 locations spread across the Southern United States specifically in

• Texas
• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Oklahoma

The Stuarts maintain ownership of the company to this day, and their business continues to be a family affair with headquarters in Burleson, Texas.

The Birth of a Chicken Empire

Richard and Nancy didn’t just stumble into the chicken business. They had a vision to create a fast food restaurant that specialized in freshly prepared fried chicken and delicious Southern sides. Their timing was perfect – the late 80s saw Americans increasingly turning to convenient fast food options, but many wanted something beyond the standard burger joint.

The Stuart’s business model focused on a few key elements:

1. Fresh, never frozen chicken
2. Signature marination and breading process
3. Family-friendly menu with Southern comfort foods
4. Emphasis on sweet tea (which they sell by the gallon!)

This formula proved successful, allowing them to expand gradually through Texas and into neighboring states. Unlike many fast food chains that rush to national expansion, Chicken Express has maintained a regional focus, ensuring quality control and preserving their Southern identity.

Stuart Group Inc: The Parent Company

While most customers know the restaurant simply as “Chicken Express,” the official parent company is Stuart Group Inc., founded and still run by Richard and Nancy Stuart. This corporate structure has allowed the couple to maintain control over their brand while expanding through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations.

The company’s organizational structure includes:

Beyond Chicken: The Stuarts’ Business Expansion

The Stuarts haven’t limited themselves to just chicken. In recent years, they’ve expanded into real estate investments through RLS II Properties Management Inc., where Richard Stuart serves as the key principal.

In October 2024, this real estate company purchased The Village at Weatherford, a 44,000-square-foot shopping center located at 300-318 South Main St. in Weatherford, Texas. The shopping center, built in 1960 and renovated in 2007, houses tenants like Dollar General, Edward Jones, and Liberty Tax Service.

The purchase demonstrates how the Stuarts have leveraged their success in the fast food industry to diversify their business interests and investments. According to county deed documents, RLS took out a $4.27 million loan from Community National Bank and Trust of Texas for this acquisition.

Philanthropic Efforts

Beyond their business success, Richard and Nancy Stuart have become known for their philanthropic contributions in the communities where they operate. They’re particularly active in Weatherford, Texas, where they’ve made significant donations to Weatherford College.

One of their most notable contributions was the donation of the Canyon West Golf Club to Weatherford College, showing their commitment to education and community development in the region.

Chicken Express Menu Offerings

What’s made Chicken Express successful under the Stuarts’ leadership? Their menu focuses on Southern comfort food classics:

• Fried chicken (their signature item)
• Chicken tenders
• Fried catfish
• Various side dishes (like mashed potatoes, corn, and coleslaw)
• Sweet tea (a Southern staple they’re famous for)

Their business model allows for quick service without sacrificing the “homemade” quality that distinguishes them from national chains. The restaurants typically feature drive-thru service and casual dine-in options, creating a convenient yet comfortable atmosphere.

Expansion and Growth Strategy

Unlike some fast food chains that aggressively expand nationwide, the Stuarts have chosen a more measured approach for Chicken Express. By concentrating on the Southern United States, they’ve been able to:

1. Maintain quality control
2. Build strong regional brand recognition
3. Adapt to local tastes and preferences
4. Create efficient supply chains

This regional focus has helped Chicken Express develop a loyal customer base that appreciates their authentic Southern cooking and community presence.

The Franchise Model

While the Stuarts maintain ownership of the parent company, many Chicken Express locations operate as franchises. This model has allowed the brand to expand more rapidly while still maintaining the Stuart’s vision and quality standards.

For entrepreneurs interested in the Chicken Express franchise opportunity, the company provides training, operational support, and marketing assistance. The franchise model has contributed significantly to the chain’s growth while allowing the Stuarts to maintain control over their brand identity.

Competition in the Fast Food Chicken Market

The Stuarts have successfully positioned Chicken Express in an increasingly competitive fast food chicken market. Major competitors include:

• KFC
• Church’s Chicken
• Popeyes
• Raising Cane’s
• Zaxby’s
• Chick-fil-A

Despite this competition, Chicken Express has carved out its niche through its authentic Southern recipes, focus on fresh ingredients, and strong community ties.

Recent Developments and Future Direction

The Stuarts continue to guide Chicken Express’s growth while expanding their business interests. Their recent real estate acquisition in Weatherford demonstrates their continued investment in Texas communities and diversification of their business portfolio.

The company has also embraced modern technology, with online ordering systems and a social media presence that helps maintain relevance with younger customers while preserving their traditional appeal.

The Legacy of Richard and Nancy Stuart

As founders who’ve remained actively involved in their business for over 37 years, the Stuarts have created more than just a successful restaurant chain—they’ve established a lasting legacy in the communities they serve.

Their approach to business combines traditional values with strategic growth, creating a company that’s remained relevant and successful across multiple decades.

What Makes Their Ownership Model Successful?

Several factors have contributed to the Stuarts’ long-term success as owners of Chicken Express:

1. Consistent leadership: By maintaining ownership and involvement, they’ve provided stable direction.
2. Regional focus: Concentrating on the South has allowed them to perfect their operations before expanding.
3. Community involvement: Their philanthropic efforts have strengthened community ties.
4. Adaptation without compromise: They’ve modernized aspects of their business without sacrificing core values.

In a fast food landscape dominated by massive international corporations, Chicken Express stands out as a family-owned success story. Richard and Nancy Stuart have built their chicken empire from a single location to over 200 restaurants while maintaining their commitment to quality food and community involvement.

Their expansion into real estate through RLS II Properties Management Inc. demonstrates their business acumen and commitment to investing in the communities where they operate.

So next time you’re enjoying that crispy fried chicken and sweet tea from Chicken Express, you’ll know that you’re supporting a business built and still owned by Richard and Nancy Stuart—a couple who turned their passion for Southern cooking into a restaurant empire while staying true to their roots.

A specific earning figure for a Chicken Express franchise owner isn’t publicly available, as franchisors are generally not permitted to share exact profit figures.

Yes, Chicken Express is very much a Texas thing, though it’s also present in other nearby states.

No, Bush’s Chicken and Chicken Express are not the same; they are two distinct, competing fast-food restaurants, though both are primarily located in Texas and serve similar fried chicken.