Marcus Church
Founder & CEOThe visionary behind the original recipe. Marcus built Church's Chicken from a single fryer to a Norfolk institution with 30+ years of passion and grit.
Our Story
Passion for Flavor,
Rooted in Community
Church's Chicken has been serving bold, crave-worthy chicken to families and food lovers since our founding days in Norfolk, VA. We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place built on flavor, warmth, and genuine hospitality.
Our History
Where It All Began
What started as a humble family kitchen in Norfolk, Virginia grew into one of the most beloved chicken restaurants in the region. Our founders believed that great food could bring people together — neighbors, families, and friends sharing a table over crispy, golden chicken seasoned with love and generations of know-how.
Every batch of chicken we make today honors that original promise: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and portions that feel generous because we truly care. Our kitchen team treats every order like it's going to family, because to us — it is.
Fresh, Never Frozen
We source quality ingredients daily to ensure every plate is as fresh as our first day open.
Community First
We hire locally, support Norfolk causes, and show up for our neighbors beyond the kitchen.
Award-Winning Recipes
Our secret-blend seasoning has earned recognition across Virginia for authentic flavor.
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Three pillars that guide everything we do — from the kitchen to your table.
Our Mission
To serve boldly flavored, high-quality chicken meals that bring joy to every table, delivered with genuine warmth and care for our community in Norfolk and beyond.
Our Vision
To be the neighborhood restaurant that families return to for every celebration, every comfort meal, and every craving — a trusted name synonymous with exceptional chicken.
Our Promise
Every order is prepared fresh with integrity. We promise honest ingredients, honest portions, and an experience that makes you feel welcome every single time you walk through our doors.
Our Journey
A Timeline of Milestones
Decades of dedication, growth, and unforgettable flavor moments.
1993
The First Kitchen Opens
Church's Chicken opens its first location on Princess Anne Road in Norfolk, VA. Our founder starts with one recipe, one fryer, and a big dream to feed the neighborhood right.
1998
Recipe Expansion & Fan Favorites
We introduced our signature spicy honey-glazed tenders and legendary biscuits — items that quickly became the most-requested on the menu and remain bestsellers today.
2005
Community Recognition Award
Church's Chicken received the Norfolk Small Business Community Impact Award for its local hiring practices and donations to neighborhood schools and food banks.
2012
Full Restaurant Renovation
We expanded the dining room, upgraded our kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment, and launched our catering program — bringing Church's Chicken to events across Hampton Roads.
2019
Online Ordering Launch
We launched our digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever to get our fresh chicken delivered or ready for pickup — meeting our customers wherever they are.
2024
New Menu & Sustainability Pledge
We refreshed our menu with seasonal specials and committed to sustainable sourcing, partnering with regional farms and reducing packaging waste by 40% across all operations.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
The principles that shape our culture, our kitchen, and every customer interaction.
Quality Without Compromise
We never cut corners on ingredients or preparation. Quality is not a goal — it's our baseline expectation for every single order we send out.
Radical Hospitality
Every guest deserves to feel seen and appreciated. We train our team to go beyond basic service and create genuine moments of warmth.
Community Roots
We invest back into Norfolk because this community made us. From local hiring to school partnerships, we show up for our neighbors.
Integrity in Every Bite
Honest sourcing, honest portions, honest prices. We believe trust is built one plate at a time and we take that responsibility seriously.
Continuous Improvement
We listen to feedback, update our recipes, and look for better ways to serve — because standing still means falling behind on flavor.
Team Empowerment
Our staff are our greatest asset. We invest in training, fair wages, and a culture where every team member can grow and thrive with us.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Flavor
Passionate professionals who pour their hearts into every order, every day.
Chef Denise Okafor
Head Chef & Culinary DirectorTrained at the Culinary Institute of America, Denise brings professional mastery and creative innovation to our kitchen — elevating classics to new heights.
James Rivera
Operations ManagerJames keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine. With 15 years in food service management, he ensures every order arrives hot, fresh, and on time.
Aisha Thompson
Customer Experience LeadAisha is the heartbeat of our front-of-house. She trains our service team to deliver the kind of hospitality that turns first-time visitors into lifelong regulars.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Experience the flavor, freshness, and warmth that's made Church's Chicken a Norfolk favorite for over 30 years. Order today and taste what real passion tastes like.
Order Now