How much is a Chick-fil-A franchise? Complete 2025 Cost Guide

March 8th, 2024 By Kenny Rose

Updated: October 2025

Chick-fil-A is one of America’s most successful quick-service restaurant franchises, generating over $22.7 billion in U.S. systemwide sales in 2024. But unlike most franchises, the Chick-fil-A franchise model operates differently—with a surprisingly low $10,000 initial franchise fee that makes it accessible to qualified operators. However, understanding the true Chick-fil-A franchise cost and what owners actually make requires looking beyond the initial investment.

Chick-fil-A Franchise at a Glance:

Founded: 1946
Number of U.S. Locations: 3,000+ (as of 2024)
Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000
Average Unit Sales: Over $8.6 million annually
Unique Operator Model: Chick-fil-A retains ownership of the restaurant, while operators manage day-to-day operations

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:

Exactly how much a Chick-fil-A franchise costs in 2025
What makes the Chick-fil-A franchise fee structure unique
How much Chick-fil-A franchise owners actually earn
Why the acceptance rate is less than 1%
Alternative investment opportunities for those who want franchise exposure without operator requirements

What Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise?

A Chick-fil-A franchise represents one of the most recognized brands in American fast food. Founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A specializes in premium chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and waffle fries, with a commitment to serving only real breast meat with no fillers, artificial preservatives, hormones, or steroids.

With over 3,100 U.S. locations as of 2024, Chick-fil-A has become the third-largest restaurant chain in America by sales volume. The brand maintains remarkably high average unit volumes of $9.3 million per location—more than double McDonald’s average of approximately $3.5 million per restaurant.

What truly sets a Chick-fil-A franchise apart is its unique operator model. Unlike traditional franchises where you own the business, Chick-fil-A franchisees function more like dedicated managers, taking on full-time, day-to-day responsibilities for running the restaurant. These franchisees are responsible for hiring staff, maintaining high operational standards, and ensuring the restaurant’s success, while the corporation retains ownership of the property and equipment.

How Much Is a Chick-fil-A Franchise? Understanding the Costs

The question “how much is a Chick-fil-A franchise?” has a deceptively simple answer: the initial franchise fee is only $10,000. However, this fee is just the beginning of the financial commitment, as there are ongoing costs and operational expenses to consider.

The $10,000 Chick-fil-A Franchise Fee

The Chick-fil-A franchise cost starts with an incredibly low $10,000 initial franchise fee—significantly lower than competitors like McDonald’s ($45,000) or KFC ($45,000). This makes Chick-fil-A one of the most affordable franchise opportunities in terms of upfront cash required from the operator.

This remarkably low franchise fee is possible because Chick-fil-A corporate covers virtually everything related to startup costs, including:

Real estate acquisition or leasing
Restaurant construction and build-out
Kitchen equipment and technology systems
Initial restaurant setup and preparation

Total Initial Investment for a Chick-fil-A Franchise

While operators only pay $10,000 upfront, the total initial investment that Chick-fil-A corporate makes ranges from $444,243 to $2,338,786, according to the company’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Additionally, there are further details and clarifications regarding these costs. This investment includes:

Initial franchise fee: $10,000 (paid by operator)
Opening inventory: $18,028 to $94,560
First month rent: $1,475 to $85,800
Insurance deposits: $282 to $11,165
Additional opening costs: $4,000 to $175,000
Construction and equipment: Covered entirely by Chick-fil-A corporate

The key difference with the Chick-fil-A franchise cost structure is that the operator pays only the $10,000 franchise fee out of pocket, while Chick-fil-A corporate finances the remaining investment. However, this corporate investment is gradually recovered through higher ongoing fees.

How Much for a Chick-fil-A Franchise: Ongoing Costs and Fees

Understanding how much for a Chick-fil-A franchise requires looking at the ongoing financial obligations, which are considerably higher than traditional franchise royalty structures. These ongoing fees directly affect how much money franchisees can ultimately earn, as a significant portion of their revenue goes toward royalties and other required payments.

Base Operating Service Fee (BOSF)

Chick-fil-A operators pay a 15% royalty on gross sales. This is the standard monthly payment calculated before other expenses.

Additional Operating Service Fee

Beyond the 15% royalty, operators must share 50% of their restaurant’s net profit with Chick-fil-A corporate. This profit-sharing arrangement is significantly higher than the typical 3-15% royalty fees charged by most franchise systems.

Other Ongoing Chick-fil-A Franchise Costs

Equipment rental: $750 to $5,000 monthly
Monthly rent: $1,475 to $85,800 (location-dependent)
Advertising fees: 0% to 3.25% of gross sales
Insurance: $282 to $11,165 monthly

These ongoing costs cover a range of services provided by Chick-fil-A, such as equipment, insurance, advertising, and technical support.

How Much Does an Owner of Chick-fil-A Make?

The most important question for prospective operators is: how much does an owner of Chick-fil-A make? Based on 2025 industry data, Chick-fil-A operators typically earn between 5% and 7% of their store’s gross sales. For example, if a Chick-fil-A store generates $2 million in annual sales, the owner could expect to earn between $100,000 and $140,000 per year.

Chick-fil-A Owner Earnings by Performance Level

Average-Performing Locations ($9.3 million in annual sales):

Annual operator earnings: $200,000 to $240,000
Calculation: 5-7% of $9.3 million = $465,000 at the high end, but after all fees and expenses, take-home is typically $200,000-$240,000

High-Performing Locations ($10+ million in annual sales):

Annual operator earnings: $240,000 to $465,000+
The highest-volume Chick-fil-A in 2024 generated $19.3 million in sales, potentially earning the operator $400,000-$650,000 annually
Standalone units tend to generate significantly higher sales and profits compared to mall-based locations.

Lower-Performing Locations (Mall or lower-traffic areas):

Annual operator earnings: $150,000 to $200,000
Mall locations average $4.5 million in annual sales, resulting in lower operator income

What Impacts How Much an Owner of Chick-fil-A Makes?

Several factors determine operator earnings:

Location type: Free-standing restaurants with drive-thrus generate significantly more revenue than mall locations, as drive-thru service increases sales and adapts to changing consumer behavior.
Geographic market: High-traffic urban and suburban areas produce higher sales volumes
Operational excellence: Efficient management directly impacts profit margins
Labor management: Controlling labor costs while maintaining service quality is crucial

It’s important to note that Chick-fil-A operators work an average of 60 hours per week and must be physically present at their restaurant full-time. When calculated on an hourly basis, the earnings translate to approximately $64-$77 per hour for average performers—a respectable wage, but operators are not building equity in a business they own.

The Unique Chick-fil-A Franchise Model

Why the Chick-fil-A Franchise Cost Is So Low

The low Chick-fil-A franchise fee of $10,000 serves a strategic purpose: it removes financial barriers to entry so Chick-fil-A can select operators based on merit, experience, and dedication rather than wealth. By covering the substantial startup costs, Chick-fil-A attracts talented individuals from the food service industry who may not have significant capital but possess the skills and work ethic to run a successful restaurant. However, franchisees are still expected to dedicate significant resources, including their time, effort, and other assets, to build the Chick-fil-A brand and ensure the success of their location.

Operator Model vs. Traditional Franchise Ownership

The Chick-fil-A franchise differs fundamentally from traditional franchise ownership:

Traditional Franchise	Chick-fil-A Franchise
Owner typically invests $500,000-$2 million	Operator pays $10,000 upfront
Franchisee owns the business and equipment	Chick-fil-A retains ownership; operator has management rights
Can be semi-absentee or hire managers	Must be full-time, hands-on operator (60+ hours/week) and manage the restaurant in a hands-on manner
Can sell franchise for profit	Cannot sell; no equity to transfer
Pays 3-15% royalty fees	Pays 15% + 50% profit sharing
Multiple unit ownership common	Single unit focus (multi-unit extremely rare)

The Highly Competitive Selection Process

Despite the low Chick-fil-A franchise cost, securing an operator position is extremely difficult. Chick-fil-A receives over 40,000 applications annually but selects fewer than 400 new operators, resulting in an acceptance rate of less than 1%—statistically more selective than Ivy League universities. As part of the selection process, candidates must participate in multiple interviews, both online and in person, to demonstrate their suitability and commitment.

What Chick-fil-A looks for in operators:

Full-time commitment: Willingness to work 60+ hours per week at the restaurant
Leadership experience: Proven track record in business management or food service
Entrepreneurial spirit: Self-starters who can build teams and drive results
Community focus: Passion for serving and caring for local communities
Prior Chick-fil-A experience: 76% of operators selected in recent years had previous experience as Chick-fil-A team members

Chick-fil-A Franchise Performance: By the Numbers

To fully understand whether a Chick-fil-A franchise is worth pursuing, consider these 2024-2025 performance metrics. The chicken industry continues to grow, with steady revenue increases and a shift toward healthier, more sustainable options, which contributes to Chick-fil-A’s ongoing expansion.

Sales and Revenue Performance

Total U.S. systemwide sales: $22.7 billion (2024)
Average unit volume (non-mall): $9.3 million annually
Median unit volume: $9.2 million annually
Highest-volume location: $19.3 million (2024)
Mall location average: $4.5 million annually (for locations inside malls)
Sales growth rate: 5.4% year-over-year (2024)

Customer Satisfaction and Brand Strength

Chick-fil-A has maintained its position as America’s favorite restaurant brand for nine consecutive years according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, despite being closed on Sundays. This exceptional brand loyalty translates to consistent traffic and sales for operators.

Unit Growth and Expansion

Chick-fil-A operates 3,100+ U.S. locations as of 2024, with continued expansion into new markets including international growth in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The company opened 154 new units in 2024, highlighting the process to open new Chick-fil-A locations and demonstrating sustained growth momentum.

Pros and Cons of the Chick-fil-A Franchise

Advantages of a Chick-fil-A Franchise

Extremely low initial investment: Only $10,000 required from operator
Comprehensive corporate support: Chick-fil-A handles real estate, construction, equipment, and extensive training
Chick-fil-A offers strong brand support, low initial costs, and the potential for high profitability, making it an attractive franchise opportunity
Strong earning potential: Average operators earn $200,000-$240,000 annually
Exceptional brand recognition: America’s favorite restaurant brand with loyal customer base
Proven business model: Industry-leading average unit volumes of $9.3 million
Closed Sundays: Guaranteed day off for rest and personal time

Disadvantages and Considerations

No ownership equity: Operators don’t own the business, building, or equipment—no asset to sell
High ongoing fees: 15% royalty + 50% profit sharing is significantly higher than typical franchises
Extremely competitive selection: Less than 1% acceptance rate makes securing an operator position very difficult
Full-time commitment required: Must work 60+ hours weekly; cannot be passive or semi-absentee
Limited multi-unit opportunities: Focus on single-unit excellence; rarely offered additional locations
Closed Sundays: One less day of revenue compared to competitors
No exit strategy: Cannot sell the “franchise” for profit upon retirement
Potential fines for non-compliance: Operators may face fines if they do not meet franchise agreement standards.

Is the Chick-fil-A Franchise Right for You?

A Chick-fil-A franchise—or more accurately, operator position—can be an excellent opportunity for the right person. The low Chick-fil-A franchise cost of $10,000 removes financial barriers, and the earning potential of $200,000-$465,000 annually is attractive. The Chick-fil-A franchise is the best fit for individuals whose goals and values align with the company’s expectations. Operators also have the ability to shape their own experience and community impact through local involvement and strategic decisions within the franchise model.

The Chick-fil-A franchise is ideal if you:

Want to be a hands-on restaurant operator, not a passive investor
Are comfortable working 60+ hours per week
Prefer steady, substantial income over building equity
Have food service or leadership experience
Align with Chick-fil-A’s values and community-focused mission
Don’t need the flexibility to sell or transfer ownership

The Chick-fil-A franchise may not be right if you:

Want to build equity and own a sellable asset
Prefer semi-absentee or passive investment models
Want to operate multiple units simultaneously
Need more control over business decisions and operations
Want a franchise you can easily pass to heirs

Alternatives to Chick-fil-A Franchise Ownership

If you’re attracted to the financial performance and brand strength of Chick-fil-A but don’t want the full-time operator commitment—or can’t secure one of the highly competitive positions—there are alternative ways to benefit from franchise success. Chick-fil-A Franchisees continue the legacy and values of the brand in their communities, upholding and advancing the company’s founding principles.

Passive Fractional Franchise Investing with FranShares

For investors who find the Chick-fil-A franchise model compelling but want passive income without the 60-hour work weeks, fractional franchise investing offers a different approach. While Chick-fil-A itself isn’t available through fractional ownership platforms, investors can access other high-performing franchise brands through innovative investment models.

FranShares provides:

Passive investment model: Earn returns without operating or managing franchises
Portfolio diversification: Invest across multiple franchise brands and locations
Low capital requirements: Access franchise investing with lower initial investment than traditional franchise ownership
Zero management fees: No ongoing fees that eat into returns
Accessibility: Available to both accredited and non-accredited investors

This approach allows you to benefit from the proven success of franchise business models while maintaining the flexibility and passive income characteristics that the traditional Chick-fil-A franchise operator model doesn’t provide.

If you’re interested in learning more about passive franchise investing, connect with us today to explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Franchise Cost

How much is a Chick-fil-A franchise in 2025?

The Chick-fil-A franchise fee is $10,000, which is all the operator pays upfront. However, the total initial investment that Chick-fil-A corporate makes ranges from $444,243 to $2,338,786, covering real estate, construction, and equipment costs.

How much does an owner of Chick-fil-A make per year?

A Chick-fil-A franchisee typically earns between $200,000 and $240,000 annually at average-performing locations. High-performing Chick-fil-A franchisees can earn $465,000 or more, while those at lower-volume locations may earn $150,000-$200,000. As a Chick-fil-A franchisee, this is a full-time, hands-on role that requires leadership, long hours, and a strong commitment to the brand and community. Franchisees earn approximately 5-7% of their restaurant’s gross sales.

Why is the Chick-fil-A franchise cost so low compared to other franchises?

Chick-fil-A keeps the upfront franchise fee at $10,000 to attract operators based on talent and dedication rather than wealth. The company covers all other startup costs but recoups this investment through higher ongoing fees: 15% of gross sales plus 50% of net profit.

Can you own multiple Chick-fil-A franchises?

Multi-unit ownership is extremely rare at Chick-fil-A. The company focuses on single-unit excellence and only occasionally offers high-performing operators the opportunity to take on a second location. The full-time, hands-on requirement makes managing multiple units impractical.

How hard is it to get a Chick-fil-A franchise?

Very difficult. Chick-fil-A receives over 40,000 applications annually but selects fewer than 400 new operators, resulting in an acceptance rate under 1%. The selection process is highly competitive, with 76% of recent selectees having prior Chick-fil-A work experience.

Do you own a Chick-fil-A franchise or just operate it?

Chick-fil-A operators do not own the franchise, building, or equipment. They have the right to operate the restaurant and share in its profits, but Chick-fil-A corporate retains ownership of all physical assets. Operators cannot sell their position or pass it to heirs.

The Bottom Line: Understanding Chick-fil-A Franchise Costs and Owner Earnings

The Chick-fil-A franchise represents a unique opportunity in the restaurant industry. With a franchise cost of just $10,000 upfront and average annual earnings of $200,000-$240,000, it offers strong income potential for those willing to commit full-time to operations.

However, prospective operators should understand that this is fundamentally different from traditional franchise ownership. You’re not building equity or creating a sellable asset—you’re accepting a high-paying management position with profit-sharing benefits. The extremely competitive selection process means most applicants won’t be selected, regardless of qualifications.

For investors seeking the financial benefits of franchise success without the full-time operational commitment, passive investment opportunities through platforms like FranShares offer an alternative path to benefit from the franchise business model while maintaining flexibility and building diversified portfolios.

Ready to explore passive franchise investing? Sign up for FranShares to learn how you can invest in successful franchise businesses without the 60-hour work weeks.