Chick-fil-A is one of Americas toughest franchises to get and the startup cost may surprise 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.About 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 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.However, 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.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 do not build equity in the business or sell it when they retire.Chick-fil-A said operators devote their time and energy to managing their restaurants, developing employees and serving their communities.Good said that’s one of the biggest differences between Chick-fil-A and many competing franchise models.“When a Chick-fil-A operator retires, you can’t pass it down to your kids.You don’t sell ...