San Diego Padres' Tony Gwynn Announces Franchise Agreement With Church's Chicken (6/00)

San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn and wife Alicia Gwynn today announced their decision to become Franchise partners with Church's Chicken, a division of AFC Enterprises. The Gwynns plan to open 100 stores in Southern California.

"This is a great opportunity for us to continue to give back to the community in which we live. Church's strives to create opportunities for families in these areas, and that is important to us. This is a solid business decision for us -- and one that also will enable us to provide jobs in the communities. We are thrilled to be a part of the Church's team," said Gwynn, who is on his way to becoming the third player in baseball history to reach the 4,000 "hit" mark.

The Gwynn franchise partnership is among the largest franchise development agreements for Church's Chicken.

Church's Chicken, the world's second largest, quick-service chicken Restaurant chain, specializes in Southern-style chicken and side items like okra, corn on the cob and its unique Honey-Butter biscuits. Founded in 1952 in San Antonio, Texas, Church's today has grown to more than 1,500 locations worldwide. Church's Chicken 1999 system-wide sales were more than $814 million. Visit Church's Chicken on the World Wide Web at www.churchs.com .

Church's Chicken is a division of AFC Enterprises, one of the world's largest operators and franchisors of restaurants, bakeries and cafes with more than 3,400 locations in 27 countries worldwide. AFC positions itself as the Franchisor of Choice by offering a portfolio of high-value brands and unparalleled support and services for its franchise partners.