Franchising

Becoming a Chick-fil-A ® Restaurant Franchisee offers the opportunity to build a business, shape a culture and invest in a better future. And we’ll support you every step of the way.

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Being a Chick-fil-A ® Franchisee is a life investment

Chick-fil-A ® Franchisees help continue the legacy that began with our founder Truett Cathy to be a positive influence on the people and communities we serve.

While it is an exceedingly rewarding opportunity, it does require long hours and leading a team of mostly young, hourly-paid employees. It’s not for those seeking passive financial investment, working from the sidelines, or adding to a portfolio of business ventures. It’s a hands-on, life investment for leaders looking to build a business and their community.

Franchisee minimum requirements

The Chick-fil-A ® franchise opportunity is an exciting and fulfilling one. Owning and operating a Chick-fil-A branded quick-service restaurant business takes an entrepreneurial mindset, passion, and unceasing determination. Here’s what we require from prospective candidates. Meeting these minimum requirements does not mean you will be selected as a Franchisee. Our selection process is highly competitive and there is no guarantee of selection.

Legal right

The legal right to own and operate a franchise in the United States

upfront fee

Upfront fee

$10,000 in non-gifted, non-borrowed funds for the initial franchise fee

strong finances

Financial History

No bankruptcy in your financial history

dedication

Commitment

Full-time, hands on, day-to-day ownership and operation of a restaurant business

commitment

Dedication

Divest yourself of all non-passive business opportunities to pursue a Chick-fil-A franchise

experience

Experience

5+ years of professional work experience

leadership

Leadership

Have led a team of people

“Becoming an Operator is not about making a financial investment or having a retirement option. It is about investing your time to build a culture of care around your restaurant.”

Ummara Sajid, Houston, TX

“When you’re running your restaurant, you have to learn how to be flexible and balance being there for your people and running your business at the same time.”

Trevelle Harvey, District Heights, MD

“There is a misconception that Chick-fil-A Operators make a lot of money right off the bat. The reality is, your business may not be profitable for the first few years.”

Dawn Kosir, Corsicana, TX

Investing in our teams

Join our candidate community

Chick-fil-A’s success is directly tied to the passion and drive our Franchisees bring to their local businesses. They spend their time and resources to build the Chick-fil-A brand, which is why we take great care in selecting those we go into business with. Our U.S. candidate community is our way of walking you through the selection process and making sure this is the right match for you. (We also have Canada and Puerto Rico franchise opportunities).

Make your meals more rewarding

Sign up for Chick-fil-A One ®

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