1851

Did you know that <a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724640" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chick-fil-A</a>’s initial investment is only $10K? However, being chosen as a franchisee, or “operator” as they like to call it, is another story.&nbsp;Here’s what you need to know about buying a Chick-fil-A franchise.&nbsp;<h3>The Highly Competitive Franchisee Selection Process</h3>Chick-fil-A as a brand is strategic and thoughtful with everything, from its menu to its values to its franchisee selection. In fact, becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee is more competitive than being accepted into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/06/07/its-not-just-the-pruitts-its-really-hard-to-get-a-chick-fil-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724640" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Harvard</a>. As of 2019, approximately&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-opening-2019-7?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724640#:~:text=Chick%2Dfil%2DA%20franchise%20operators,like%20from%20start%20to%20finish." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">60K potential franchisees</a> apply for business ownership with the brand each year; only 1% of these applicants are approved.&nbsp;Chick-fil-A’s corporate team seeks franchisees who contribute to the brand’s values of making positive impacts on the community and who also have a history of financial stewardship. Future franchisees must also live in the brand’s targeted market, as it places a heavy emphasis on local business ownership.Additionally, franchisees must have full-time availability — this is not a passive opportunity,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/chik-fil-a-franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&amp%3Butm_medium=article&amp%3Butm_campaign=how-to-open-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2719270&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2724640" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nerdwallet</a> points out. If you’re looking to add another brand to your portfolio, Chick-fil-A is not the business for you. Chick-fil-A operators are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.&nbsp;This highly competitive franchisee selection process stems from the brand’s dedication to remaining faithful to its core values. If you think you’re a candidate to open your very own Chick-fil-A, begin by submitting an online application.&nbsp;<h3>Passing the Interview</h3>If Chick-fil-A likes your application, you will be asked to interview. As the brand has lower capital requirements, the focus is on showcasing entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to customer service, leadership skills and business acumen. Chick-fil-A seeks individuals who are active in their communities. The interview may extend to contacting references such as friends, family, and past employers to verify character and credentials.<h3>Review the Franchise Agreement</h3>It is important that you are just as selective as Chick-fil-A is when it comes to deciding if you want to franchise with them. If you pass the interview stage, the brand will share their franchise agreement with you, including their franchise disclosure document (FDD).&nbsp;Review this document closely with a franchise lawyer to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into. During this stage, you should also reach out to as many current and former Chick-fil-A franchisees as you can to get a better understanding of what it's like.&nbsp;<h3>Go Through Training</h3>The few candidates who finally are selected will embark on a multi-week training program before taking complete control of their restaurant. You will learn everything about running the business, including hiring and training employees and how to deliver Chick-fil-A’s outstanding customer service.&nbsp;<h3>Opening for Business</h3>One of the draws to the brand is that, for selected operators, the brand manages the majority of the startup process. The franchisor selects the restaurant site, rents all necessary equipment and handles any necessary build-out.&nbsp;Once you make it to opening day, be sure to prepare yourself and your staff for what to expect. New Chick-fil-A locations are notoriously busy, and it's important to be committed to the brand’s “my pleasure” culture.&nbsp;Buying a Chick-fil-A franchise clearly isn’t easy. But once you get there, the process is smooth sailing thanks to the franchisor’s heavy support and involvement.

What You Need to Know About Buying a Chick-fil-A Franchise

1851 Franchise

This guide includes everything you need to know about the incredibly selective selection process from how to pass your interview to opening day. 

what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-chick-fil-a-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally Celebrates Major Milestone With Opening of Its 100th Franchise Location

trublue-home-service-ally-celebrates-major-milestone-with-opening-of-its-100th-franchise-location

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Franchise 500® Ranking

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® Ranking

childrens-lighthouse-named-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-ranking

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Four Layne's team members stand in front of a wall decorated with artwork from the community

The Easiest $10,000 Made in a Day: How Layne’s Built Operations for Volume

the-easiest-10000-made-in-a-day-how-laynes-built-operations-for-volume

Pet Wants

Why Pet Wants Is Perfect for First-Time Franchise Owners

why-pet-wants-is-perfect-for-first-time-franchise-owners

Griswold

7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Staying Safe During National Winter Safety Month

7-winter-safety-tips-for-seniors-staying-safe-during-national-winter-safety-month

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 Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Yum Brands - KFC - Pizza Hut - Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey - 1851 Franchise

Yum! Brands Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey Due to Non-Compliance

yum-brands-terminates-franchise-agreements-in-turkey-due-to-non-compliance

Recent Franchise News - Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers - 1851 Franchise

Forbes: Four Reasons Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers

forbes-four-reasons-why-franchisors-churn-through-marketing-suppliers

QSR Magazine: Big Chicken Targets Global Expansion

qsr-magazine-big-chicken-aims-for-global-growth

Starbucks Strike Brews Opportunity for the Next Coffee Franchisee

starbucks-strike-brews-opportunity-for-coffee-franchise-hopefuls

I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Business Online: Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese

restaurant-business-online-franchisees-sue-i-heart-mac-and-cheese

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Franchise Deep Dive: Innovative Sport Surfacing Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-innovative-sport-surfacing-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

How Ellie Mental Health Is Transforming Communities Through Franchise Expansion

how-ellie-mental-health-is-transforming-communities-through-franchise-expansion

How Matt and Megin Sharp Built KidStrong to Empower Kids and Families

how-matt-and-megin-sharp-built-kidstrong-to-empower-kids-and-families

Two Attorneys, Restaurant Professionals To Serve Germantown Community With New Paris Baguette Café

two-attorneys-restaurant-professionals-to-serve-germantown-community-with-new-paris-baguette-cafe

Top 10 Franchises for New Year’s Resolutions

Top 10 Franchise Opportunities for New Year’s Resolutions

top-10-franchises-for-new-years-resolutions

Leveraging Technology in Franchise Management

How to Leverage Technology in Franchise Management

leveraging-technology-in-franchise-management

The Best Franchises To Own With Low Initial Investments

best-franchises-with-low-initial-investments

Newk's Eatery - Magee, MS - Skip Russell Franchisee Profile - CI

Former Popeyes Franchisee Builds on Decades of Success with Newk's Expansion Plans

former-popeyes-franchisee-builds-on-decades-of-success-with-newks-expansion-plans

What You Need to Know About Buying a Chick-fil-A Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS