Mohammed’s journey with Church’s began 29 years ago in Kansas, where he got his start as a team member. Fueled by hard work and a passion for the business, he quickly rose through the ranks—becoming an assistant manager, then a store manager. His deep connection to the brand inspired him to open his very own Church’s Texas Chicken in November 2022.
And he’s just getting started. Mohammed’s second location—at 2310 N. 90th Street—is already 70% complete, and he has big plans to expand further. His goal? Open five locations, including one in Council Bluffs, and bring the flavor of Church’s to even more communities.
Overcoming Hurdles with the Right Financial Partner
The road to opening his first location wasn’t without challenges. After an initial financing partnership fell through, Mohammed turned to Core Bank—drawn in by their stellar reviews after searching for a bank online and it turned out to be the perfect fit.
“I was so happy. They’re very good,” Mohammed said. “They are more than a bank – Core Bank recognizes their people – their customers.”
He enjoys visiting the branch in person, where he’s always greeted by name and treated like family. It’s a relationship built on trust, respect, and a shared belief in the power of community.
That same spirit shines through in his restaurant. Mohammed’s love for his guests is unmistakable—whether he’s chatting with regulars or greeting a customer with a warm handshake. “I love my guests and many returning customers,” Mohammed shared.
What keeps them coming back? Spicy chicken strips and honey-butter biscuits—a crave-worthy combo of heat and sweet. As a franchise owner, Mohammed gets to attend conventions where he samples exciting new menu items and limited-time desserts, like the new pineapple pie and past favorites like blueberry pie.
For aspiring business owners or those dreaming of entering the restaurant industry, Mohammed has heartfelt advice:
“Be patient. Franchise requirements have increased since I started. Keep trying and don’t give up—I was putting in 80 to 90 hours a week just to get things off the ground.”
A Restaurant Built on Community, Flavor, and Passion
Mohammed’s mission goes beyond building a successful business—he’s passionate about giving back. He currently employs 32 team members, maintains low turnover, and offers flexible schedules to support his staff. For him, it’s about creating opportunities, investing in people, and building a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered.
At Church’s Texas Chicken®, every bite is filled with the bold spirit of Texas. From fried chicken combos and family meals to those made-from-scratch Honey-Butter Biscuits™, there’s something for everyone. Order ahead, get it delivered, or stop by and experience it for yourself.
