Chick-fil-A is one of America’s toughest franchises to get — and the startup cost may surprise you

Key Points:

• Chick-fil-A is highly selective in choosing owner-operators, with about 100,000 applicants annually and only around 200 selected, often after a multi-year wait for those without prior experience.
• The franchise fee has remained $10,000 for the past 50 years, and applicants do not need previous Chick-fil-A experience, with over 25% of new operators coming from diverse professional backgrounds outside the company.
• Unlike typical franchises, Chick-fil-A retains ownership of the restaurant, equipment, and real estate, meaning operators do not build equity or sell the business upon retirement; instead, the business returns to Chick-fil-A.
• Operators dedicate themselves full-time to managing restaurants, developing employees, and serving communities, reflecting Chick-fil-A’s emphasis on leadership and community involvement.
• Chick-fil-A restaurants remain closed on Sundays as part of the company’s culture and values, a practice aimed at honoring religious beliefs and supporting employees and communities.