Branded food program celebrates 500th opening.
A major milestone gave one business something to cheer about. Champs Chicken, a nationwide branded food program, opened its 500th location this week at the Choctaw Tra
vel Plaza in Poteau, Okla.
Festivities included door prizes and meal deals throughout the day, as well as an appearance by Champ himself. Choctaw Travel Plaza will serve Champs Chicken’s quality products—including freshly breaded chicken, crunchy catfish, and zesty wings—at reasonable prices. Other top selling menu items, such as signature sides (potato wedges, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and macaroni and cheese) will also be available.
“We’re thrilled to be offering Champs Chicken at Choctaw Travel Plaza,” Sharla Bilyeu, manager of Choctaw Travel Plaza. “The food’s excellent and I think customers will notice a menu line-up that’s far beyond what we’ll find elsewhere in Poteau.”
The opening celebration also featured a charitable component. “On June 7, Champs Chicken will be donating 10% of all sales toward tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma,” said Mia Platz, marketing manager of Champs Chicken. “While we’re new to Poteau, we want people to know we support our Okies.”
Champs Chicken is currently operating in three Choctaw Travel Plazas throughout Oklahoma, with plans to open three more in the coming weeks.
Headquartered in Holts Summit, Mo., Champs Chicken has experienced rapid growth since launching in 1999. Started by Shawn and Julie Burcham in their home garage, Champs Chicken’s unique flavoring and dedication to customers were a sure recipe for success.
“From the beginning, we recognized that the customer is why we are here,” said Shawn Burcham, CEO and president of Champs Chicken. “Our focus on service, combined with our quality products, has made us who we are. When you see our label, you can be assured you’ll receive the best meal at the best value, each and every time.”
Now with over 500 locations, the company has no plans of slowing down.
“Our next goal is to reach 5,000 stores and be a leader in the branded foodservice industry,” Burcham said. “We’re excited to be working with Choctaw Travel Plaza and we look forward to serving the entire community.”
