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Want to open a Chick-fil-A? If you make it through the highly selective franchise process, all it takes is a $10K franchise fee.&nbsp;In total, opening a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069">Chick-fil-A franchise</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vettedbiz.com/chick-fil-a-franchise-cost/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">costs between $186,495 and $2,707,337</a>. But unlike most other franchisors, Chick-fil-A covers all opening expenses, meaning franchisees are only responsible for that $10K. That makes Chick-fil-A one of the least expensive major fast-food chains to buy into by far. To put it into perspective, the franchise fee alone is $45,000 for McDonald’s, and $50,000 for both Burger King and Wendy’s.&nbsp;With that said, here are a few other factors to note.&nbsp;<h3>Costs to Consider</h3>Chick-fil-A has no requirements for minimum net worth or liquid assets. In comparison, McDonald’s requires a $500,000 net worth.&nbsp;However, Chick-fil-A charges a 15% royalty and takes 50% of all profits for franchisees, a much steeper structure than other quick-service brands. Wendy’s, for example, charges franchisees just a 4%-6% royalty, while McDonald’s charges 5%.&nbsp;Additionally, because Chick-fil-A covers all expenses involved in building and opening a restaurant, the franchisor also owns the real estate, building, equipment and virtually everything else in the restaurant. The franchisee simply operates the business.&nbsp;And while the franchising opportunity doesn’t cost much, Chick-fil-A “requires a holistic commitment to own and operate the business in a hands-on manner” from owners. This means that the franchise wants operators who are ready to be hands-on and involved in the day-to-day activities of the business. This doesn’t make it an ideal opportunity for franchisees with other brands in their portfolio.&nbsp;<h3>The Profits</h3>Chick-fil-A’s unusual business model 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>, the franchise has earned more per store than any other fast food chain. In 2017, for example, the average unit with the brand made&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-it-cost-to-buy-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724659" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$4,090,900</a> compared to McDonald’s, for example, with the average unit making $2,670,320.&nbsp;For reference, in the same year, the average Starbucks unit made $945,270 and the average Subway unit made $416,860. Even if you add McDonald’s average earnings per unit with those of Starbucks and Subway in 2017, it falls short of Chick-fil-A’s average per unit at $4,032,450.It is notoriously difficult to buy a Chick-fil-A, leaving many prospective franchise buyers to invest in other brands in the segment. So, if Chick-fil-A isn’t for you, here are three other restaurant franchise brands to look into:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/mooyah">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a> | Investment Range: $495,918–$1,168,251</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/southernclassicchicken">Southern Classic Chicken</a> | Investment Range: $777,500–$1,235,500</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne&#x2019;s Chicken Fingers*</a> | Investment Range: $737,000–$1,217,000&nbsp;</li></ul>

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Chick-fil-A Franchise?

1851 Franchise

With some of the highest profits in the fast-food industry, the costs to buy a Chick-fil-A franchise are surprisingly low. 

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Why I Bought: How Alex and Chrissy Bergren Turned Their Passion for Craft Beer Into a Thriving Voodoo Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach

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How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Chick-fil-A Franchise?

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