US fast-food chain Church's Chicken has opened its first outlet in the Philippines through franchisee Wow Foods Corp. The multi-unit agreement will see two further locations opened shortly, with the possibility of sub-franchising for further expansion an option.

"We have been on the lookout for opportunities and we found a very suitable partner here in the Philippines first," says Church's Chicken Vice President for International Operations Al Ryan, who hopes that the Philippines outlets will lead to expansion in other Asian markets, especially China, Japan and India.

Ryan also announced: "We expect to open at least two new stores in Saudi Arabia later this year. We are in various stages of talks with other possible partners in the Middle East."