Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has appointed Bobby Morena as chief development officer, effective Nov. 3, 2025. He joins the company from GoTo Foods.
In his new role, Morena will lead all aspects of Church’s domestic development strategy, including franchise sales, real estate, design and construction, with a focus on accelerating the expansion of the brand across the U.S. Morena will report to Roland Gonzalez, CEO and president.
Morena has more than 25 years of experience in franchise development in the restaurant space. At Jimmy John’s, he played a key role in expanding the brand from less than 100 locations to thousands nationwide. Most recently in his role as chief development officer at GoTo Foods, he led initiatives that helped to improve performance, improve franchise relationships and deliver solid ROI.
“Bobby has an impressive track record in franchise development and is the ideal leader who will accelerate the next chapter of our growth,” says Gonzalez. “He understands how to scale brands with discipline and ambition, and he shares our commitment to franchise success and operational excellence.”
Morena will play a key role in advancing the brand’s goal of reaching $2 billion in system sales, which will be heavily dependent on organic growth with current franchisees and driving new development — including strategic refranchising of corporate locations, and by introducing new franchisees to the brand. The company also plans to deepen its presence in existing markets while entering new communities.
Founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1952, Church’s Texas Chicken®, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken™ outside of the U.S., is one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world. Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ have more than 1,400 locations in 22 countries. Owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and FS Investments since 2021, Church’s® celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022. For more information, visit www.churchs.com and www.texaschicken.com.
SOURCE: Church’s Texas Chicken®