ATLANTA – Church’s Chicken announced that Joseph Christina was appointed CEO of the company. Christina has served as executive vice president of US operations at Church’s Chicken since 2013. He oversaw operations at more than 1,150 franchise and company owned restaurants in 29 states. 

Joe Christina
Joseph Christina, CEO, Church's Chicken
He succeeds Jim Hyatt, who was appointed CEO of Church’s Chicken in 2011. Hyatt will remain on the company’s board of directors.


“I’m honored to take on the new role of CEO at Church’s, and I look forward to building on the progress we’ve achieved under Jim’s leadership,” Christina said. “I am committed to empowering our team members and providing the strategic direction to ensure we continue to deliver an outstanding experience to Church’s and Texas Chicken guests around the world.”

Christina, who brings 32 years of experience in restaurant operations, has driven improvements the last three years, including a simplified operational and data-driven approach. Also, he has overseen initiatives that reduced overhead costs, enhanced franchise relations and improved revenue performance.

“Joe is an exceptional restaurant operations executive with a proven track record who is known for his team-building and results-driven approach,” said Tully Friedman, chairman of the board of directors. “He has had a tremendous impact since joining the company, and we are confident that, as CEO, Joe will provide the leadership, insight, and energy needed for Church’s next phase of success.”

Before joining Church’s, Christina was senior vice president at Burger King where he was responsible for a division with $2 billion in sales. During that time, he reversed a four-year division sales slump with unique local marketing plans, while cutting $2 million in costs from the company’s 2,000 restaurants in 19 states.