When considering the Chick-fil-A franchise cost, it’s crucial to understand both the initial and ongoing financial commitments.

Chick-fil-A is one of the largest quick-service restaurant chains in the United States, renowned for its chicken sandwiches.

For potential franchisees, the appeal lies in Chick-fil-A’s unique financial model, which offers a relatively low-cost entry point. However, this model may not suit more ambitious individuals looking to expand their business empires.

On this page we'll break down Chick-fil-A franchise model and help you evaluate if this is the best business investment for you and your family, and present some alternatives to consider for a true ownership model that creates generational wealth and a sellable asset.

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The cost to start a Chick-fil-A franchise is surprisingly low compared to other fast-food chains. The initial franchise fee is just $10,000. This low entry cost is because Chick-fil-A covers the cost of the premises, equipment, and other startup necessities. 

However, operational costs are substantial. Franchisees pay rent to Chick-fil-A for the premises and equipment, along with other operational expenses.

Initial investments can range from $295,412 to $2,431,608, depending on factors such as location and restaurant size. These costs are typically deducted from the restaurant’s earnings. 

For potential franchisees, the appeal lies in Chick-fil-A’s unique financial model, which offers a relatively low-cost entry point. However, this model may not suit more ambitious individuals looking to expand their business empires.

Ongoing Franchise Fees

The initial $10,000 franchise fee is just the beginning. Franchisees must also pay Chick-fil-A 15% of their gross sales and 50% of the restaurant’s profits. These fees cover the use of premises, equipment, insurance, advertising, technical support, signage, cash handling, and other services. Failure to meet franchise agreement standards can result in fines.

The earnings of a Chick-fil-A franchise owner can vary widely.

While Chick-fil-A does not disclose specific profit figures, estimates suggest that franchisees can earn between $100,000 and $425,000 per year. This range is based on various estimates of gross earnings and the percentage of profit retained after fees. 

For example, in 2020, the average annual sales for a Chick-fil-A restaurant were $2,082,935 for mall locations and $7,096,393 for standalone units.

Given the extensive fees, the net earnings for operators are significantly lower. One estimate indicates that operators earn 5-7% of gross earnings, translating to around $125,000 for a small unit and $425,000 for a non-mall unit.

Securing a Chick-fil-A franchise is highly competitive, with only about 80 out of 60,000 applicants selected each year.

The process begins with an online application, followed by a series of interviews both online and in person.

Prospective franchisees must demonstrate local ties to the desired franchise location and a commitment to full-time, hands-on management of the restaurant. 

Candidates are advised to participate in Chick-fil-A’s webinars to gain a thorough understanding of the process.

The company seeks applicants with strong business leadership experience and stable financial backgrounds. 

Low Initial Outlay: With a $10,000 franchise fee, Chick-fil-A is affordable to start.

Potential for Strong Earnings: High average gross revenues can lead to significant earnings.

Company Support: Chick-fil-A handles many operational aspects, such as location selection and equipment provision, reducing the burden on franchisees.

Limited Growth Opportunities: Franchisees must run the restaurant full-time and cannot operate other businesses.

Lack of Ownership: Franchisees do not own the premises or equipment, meaning no equity is built up over time.

High Ongoing Fees: The significant percentage of gross sales and profits paid to Chick-fil-A reduces net earnings. 

Takeaway chicken is one of the most widely consumed foods in America, with industry revenues over $59 billion.

Rising disposable incomes led to a growth in business before COVID-19, and an emphasis on takeout and drive-thru helped weather the pandemic. There’s every reason to expect revenues to keep growing.  

70% of the industry belongs to the top four players, including Chick-fil-A.

The main source of competition is therefore other big brands, both in chicken and elsewhere in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market.

QSR has been forecast to see $111 billion in growth over the next fifteen years, so there’s plenty of revenue for Chick-fil-A to gobble up. 

For such large brands, a lot of the market is driven by successful advertising campaigns, but Chick-fil-A operators may be in a better position than most to shape their own fate.

The company emphasizes joining in the local community, and operators can use those connections to drive their own success. 

There are reasons to expect a shift away from beef and toward chicken. Chicken is more environmentally friendly to rear, healthier to eat, and has cultural associations with hip-hop that have given it cultural capital.

The chicken industry is well positioned to grow.

The finances of Chick-fil-A work differently from most. The initial franchise fee is only $10,000 and the franchisee doesn’t get to own the business.

Instead, Chick-fil-A owns the business and premises, and the franchisee is effectively a manager.

Chick-fil-A estimates that the initial costs to set up one of its locations are $444,243 to $2,338,786, most of these costs coming under the catch-all heading of “additional funds.”

Instead of the franchisee paying up front, most of it comes out of the share of the profits that you earn. The financial pain of getting started is therefore much lower.

Chick-fil-A is deliberately choosing operators for their character and skills rather than their wealth. 

This unusual franchise model means that you’re not building up wealth through business ownership, and you can’t sell the business on.

Being a Chick-fil-A operator means taking on a potentially high-paying managerial job, rather than building up a business of your own.

The average annual sales volume for franchised Chick-fil-A restaurants located in non-malls, based on data from 2,049 locations, was $9,374,320 in 2023.

Becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee is an attractive option for those seeking a secure, profitable business within a well-established brand.

However, it may not be suitable for individuals who prefer to own and potentially expand their business ventures. The commitment to full-time management and the lack of equity build-up are significant considerations.  

If you’re looking for a franchise where you can grow and eventually sell the business for profit, you might need to explore other options.

In conclusion, while Chick-fil-A offers a unique and potentially lucrative franchise opportunity with strong brand support and low initial costs, it requires a hands-on, full-time commitment and comes with significant ongoing fees.

Prospective franchisees must carefully weigh these factors against their personal and professional goals. 

By understanding the Chick-fil-A franchise cost and the overall franchise process, you can make an informed decision about whether this opportunity aligns with your business goals and values. 

Future Franchise Owners can help you evaluate dozens of other food and beverage franchises, and hundreds of lucrative franchises in other industries, at no cost to you.