Chick-Fil-A Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Chick-fil-A, founded by S. Truett Cathy, began as The Dwarf Grill in 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1967, Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Shopping Center.
Now, Chick-fil-A is one of the largest quick-service chicken chains in the U.S., with over 2,000 locations across 48 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. The headquarters remains in Atlanta.
Franchising started in 1986, with Chick-fil-A using a unique single-unit model. This approach requires Operators to be fully committed to their restaurant, ensuring deep community involvement and responsibility.
The brand is famous for its signature chicken sandwich, served on a buttered bun with dill pickle chips. Chick-fil-A also offers waffle fries, salads, and dipping sauces. It stands out for its quality ingredients, top-tier customer service, and strong community ties.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Chick-fil-A franchise? It costs on average between $427,000 – $2,340,000 to start a Chick-fil-A franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $10,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $22,000 to $84,000 |
| First Month’s Rental of Equipment | $750 to $5,000 |
| First Month’s Lease/Sublease of Premises | $2,725 to $96,285 |
| First Month’s Insurance Expense | $260 to $10,240 |
| Additional Funds | $391,000 to $2,134,000 |
| Total Estimate of Initial Investment | $426,735 to $2,339,525 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Chick-fil-A locations are there?
As of the latest data, Chick-fil-A operates over 2,684 locations across the United States and internationally. This includes 2,624 franchise-operated restaurants and 55 company-owned.
What is the total investment required to open a Chick-fil-A franchise?
The total investment required to open a Chick-fil-A franchise ranges from $427,000 – $2,340,000 for a franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurant business.
What are the ongoing fees for a Chick-fil-A franchise?
Chick-fil-A franchisees (referred to as operators) are required to pay a 15% royalty fee on gross sales. Additionally, there is an ongoing service fee of 50% of the restaurant’s pre-tax profit, which covers various operational costs, including marketing and advertising efforts.
However, there is some information suggesting that operators may contribute around 3.25% of gross sales toward local and national marketing efforts, although the exact structure can vary.
Who owns Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A franchise is owned by Chick-fil-A, Inc., a privately held company founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946. The company remains family-owned, with leadership currently under Dan T. Cathy and Andrew Cathy, the founder’s son and grandson respectively
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