Churchs Chicken Opens in Colton

By: Erika Murillo

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Colton Chamber of Commerce

Photo Description:

The restaurant is located on S. Mt. Vernon avenue. From left: Church’s Chicken Secretary and Operation Manager Daniel Martinez, Colton City Council Member Susan Oliva, Mayor Sarah Zamora, Church’s Chicken Location President Mercedes Herrera, Church’s Chicken Location Vice President Jesus Mendoza, (back) Colton Police Officer Wade Harris, Mayor Pro Tem David Toro, Colton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and CJUSD Board Member Laura Morales, CJUSD Board Member Randall Ceniceros and (front) Colton City Council Member Isaac Suchil. The group was joined by two young community members who were eager to help cut the ribbon.
Church’s Chicken opened its doors just in time for the lunch hour rush Saturday Aug. 10 in Colton. The restaurant on S. Mt. Vernon held a celebration in honor of their grand opening. Restaurant owners were joined by Colton Chamber of Commerce members and Colton City Council members, along with Church’s Chicken Location President Mercedes J. Herrera, D.D.S., Location Vice President Jesus Mendoza, Engineer and International Partner Jesus G. Ortiz and Secretary and Operation Manger Daniel Martinez. “Getting here has been a long dream and an accomplishment for all of us because it’s all new to us,” said Mendoza. “I think the hardest part was getting accepted by Church’s and franchising,” said Herrera. Both Herrera and Mendoza assert the process was long but worth it in the end. “We were in this process for nine months, six with the construction alone, and three months looking for the location and getting it approved,” added Mendoza. “We cut no corners; we did it the right way.” The team of four worked together to get the project off the ground. “We all had our fair share of contribution. Mercedes had the administration part of it, making it all work for us, Jesus [was supportive] of us, and Daniel, who made it possible for us to meet the Church’s five year experience requirement,” said Mendoza. “We are here for the long term and are happy to be here,” said Mendoza.