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.
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
$10,000 in non-gifted, non-borrowed funds for the initial franchise fee
Financial History
No bankruptcy in your financial history
Commitment
Full-time, hands on, day-to-day ownership and operation of a restaurant business
Dedication
Divest yourself of all non-passive business opportunities to pursue a Chick-fil-A franchise
Experience
5+ years of professional work experience
Leadership
Have led a team of people
Language proficiency
Must be fluent in both written and spoken English.
“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
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).