1851

Chick-fil-A has a pretty&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-open-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2719270#stories">unusual franchise model</a>, but it appears to be paying off. Despite being&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/nations-restaurant-news-could-chick-fil-a-finally-be-open-on-sundays-2724521#stories">closed on Sundays</a>, Chick-fil-A franchise owners earn more per store&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/chick-fil-a-makes-more-per-restaurant-than-mcdonalds/320615?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-owner-make-2724737" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">than any other fast-food chain</a>.&nbsp;In addition to being famous for its “my pleasure” culture and delicious chicken sandwiches, the brand is also famous in the franchise world for charging its operators just a $10,000 franchise fee. But a small franchise fee certainly isn’t equating to small profits for Chick-fil-A franchise owners.&nbsp;On average, a Chick-Fil-A franchise makes $8.1 million in sales per year, according to data from finance platform&nbsp;<a href="https://sharpsheets.io/blog/chick-fil-a-franchise-costs-profits/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-owner-make-2724737" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SharpSheets</a>. Of course, this number will vary by location. For example, if the franchise is located in a mall, the data found that the number dropped to $2.7 million.&nbsp;When looking at the average annual sales of $8.6 million for non-mall units, the average Chick-Fil-A franchise makes $1.3 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) — a 15% margin.&nbsp;This operating profit only includes cost of goods sold, labor, rent, and royalty and marketing fees paid to the franchisor. To reach this number, SharpSheets used the royalty fees and the rent expense provided in Chick-fil-A's Franchise Disclosure Document.&nbsp;It’s clear that a Chick-fil-A franchise pays pretty well, but getting into the system is another story.&nbsp;<h3>The Highly Competitive Application Process</h3>Chick-fil-A employs a highly competitive franchisee selection process, with only 1% of the approximately 60K annual applicants being approved. The company prioritizes individuals who align with its values, contribute positively to the community, demonstrate financial stewardship and reside in the targeted market.&nbsp;Full-time availability and active involvement in day-to-day operations are also essential requirements for potential franchisees. This rigorous selection process reflects Chick-fil-A's commitment to maintaining fidelity to its core values and upholding a hands-on approach to business ownership.&nbsp;<h3>What It Costs To Open a Chick-fil-A Franchise</h3>Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise costs between&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vettedbiz.com/chick-fil-a-franchise-cost/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-owner-make-2724737" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$186,495 and $2,7 million</a>. However, franchisees are only responsible for that $10,000 franchise fee. This makes Chick-fil-A one of the least expensive major fast-food chains to buy into. In comparison, the franchise fee alone is $45,000 per McDonald’s location. Chick-fil-A has no requirements for minimum net worth or liquid assets, while McDonald’s requires a $500,000 net worth.&nbsp;Notably, because Chick-fil-A covers hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the restaurant up and running, it charges a much steeper royalty than other fast-food chains at 15%. It also takes 50% of all franchisee profits.&nbsp;Despite the hefty fees, it’s clear that if you’re one of the lucky few to get selected for a Chick-fil-A franchise, there’s a path to success ahead of you.&nbsp;

How Much Money Does a Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner Make?

1851 Franchise

If you can make it through the competitive selection process for a Chick-fil-A franchise, which is said to be harder than getting into Harvard, you’re in for a pretty successful venture. 

how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-owner-make

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Howard Picker Is Using His Experience to Drive Sustainable Growth at Floyd’s 99

howard-picker-floyds-99-barbershop-franchise-franchisor-hot-seat

Jollibee -Launch-Story-Brand-Page-Deep-Dive-2025

Jollibee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

jollibee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

How Much Money Does a Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner Make?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS