Chick-fil-A is one of America's toughest franchises, and the startup cost may shock you
Chick-fil-A is one of America's toughest franchises to get, attracting thousands of hopeful applicants each year for a limited number of owner-operator opportunities.The fast-food chain's unique business model was recently highlighted by Julian Good, who owns a Chick-fil-A restaurant in St.Charles, Illinois, during an appearance on the "Founder Talk" podcast."It's a $10,000 franchise fee.
It's been the same for the last 50 years," Good said.CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT RECIPE REVEALED AS CEO SHARES INGREDIENT THAT MAKES IT TASTE LIKE THE ORIGINALAbout 100,000 people apply each year to become a Chick-fil-A owner-operator, with roughly 200 ultimately selected, Good explained.Applicants without Chick-fil-A experience often wait three to five years before receiving an opportunity, he added.Chick-fil-A is one of America's toughest franchises to get, attracting thousands of hopeful applicants each year.(iStock)Chick-fil-A describes its selection process as "highly competitive," saying it looks for leaders willing to devote their full-time and best efforts to operating a restaurant, according to Chick-fil-A’s January 2024 post on its press room website.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERHowever, previous experience with the company isn't required.More than 25% of newly selected owner-operators had never worked at one of its restaurants or for the company before applying, according to Chick-fil-A.Applicants without Chick-fil-A experience often wait three to five years before receiving an opportunity.
(Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)The company said operators also come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including manufacturing, health care, education, law enforcement and retail.Unlike many franchise systems, Chick-fil-A owner-operators do not own the restaurant they operate, according to Franchise Business Review.Chick-fil-A retains ownership of the restaurant, equipment, and, in most cases, the real estate, meaning operators...