‘Buy Navajo, stay Navajo’: New Church’s Texas Chicken coming in Chinle signals economic investment in small communities

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

CHINLE – A much-anticipated addition to the community is set to take place on Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. with a groundbreaking ceremony for a brand-new Church’s Texas Chicken.

This new facility is set to replace the current Church’s Texas Chicken building near Canyon De Chelly which has needed some updates. Hosted by Joaquin Quintana-Yates of Michael Nelson Enterprises Inc., this event marks a significant milestone in local development and promises to bring a new and improved dining experience to the heart of the Navajo Nation.

The existing Church’s Texas Chicken in Chinle has faced various challenges, including potholes in the parking lot, a non-operational drive-thru intercom, and sometimes even a sign hanging on the menu that reads “no tenders,” reflecting ongoing struggles with the facility. The new building, which will be constructed adjacent to the current site, is expected to address these issues and provide an upgraded experience for local customers.

MNE Inc. Board members, along with some supporters of this project, will be present for the ceremony, which will take place in front of the existing Church’s Texas Chicken building on Route 7. The new establishment will be a total upgrade featuring a double drive-thru with a dedicated window for online order pickups, showing the company’s commitment to putting convenience first.

Quintana-Yates emphasized the importance of economic investment in Navajo communities: “In our experience as business owners, Chinle is a great place to support the surrounding areas of the Navajo Nation. A major part of economic development is happening in Chinle because it’s at the center of our surrounding communities.”

As a town with less than 4,000 residents, new businesses may be taking a risk in establishing here. However, MNE is on a mission to prove that these areas are worth investing in.

“Buy Navajo, stay Navajo,” Quintana-Yates said. “We want to show people that economic development is possible. The Navajo Nation can prosper economically.”

MNE Inc. recognizes that revitalizing local infrastructure is key to fostering further growth within the Navajo Nation. By replacing the aging Church’s Chicken building with a modern facility, it is setting a new standard for business development in rural Navajo communities. This project not only improves the dining experience for residents but may also signal to other potential investors that Chinle and similar communities are open for growth and opportunity.