Chick-fil-A

About Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is an American quick-service restaurant chain best known for its chicken sandwiches. Founded by S. Truett Cathy as The Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946, the business adopted the Chick-fil-A name in 1961 and has grown to more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide. After trial locations in Reading and Aviemore in 2019, the company returned to the UK through a licensing partnership with Applegreen in Northern Ireland, followed by restaurant openings in Leeds, Kingston and Liverpool. Chick-fil-A has outlined plans for substantial investment and further UK expansion, including drive-thru locations. Its franchise model differs from conventional restaurant ownership: selected local owner-operators make a relatively modest initial financial investment but must personally lead their restaurants, develop their teams and build strong connections with their communities.

Why franchise with Chick-fil-A

• ✓Join an established international chicken restaurant brand with more than 3,000 locations worldwide.
• ✓Enter an owner-operator programme requiring an initial financial investment of approximately £10,000.
• ✓Benefit from a business model centred on active leadership, team development and customer service.
• ✓Applicants from outside hospitality can qualify, with business leadership valued over sector experience.
• ✓Successful operators may be considered to run additional restaurants, subject to company selection.
• ✓Take part in Chick-fil-A’s planned UK expansion, including new restaurants and drive-thru formats.

Investment breakdown

Franchise fee	£10,000
Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Chick-fil-A operates quick-service chicken restaurants and is developing a range of UK locations, including conventional restaurants, motorway service areas and drive-thru sites. The company has identified opportunities in major cities and regional markets, with further expansion planned. Individual owner-operators are selected to lead designated restaurants rather than independently acquire and develop premises. Specific floor areas, site specifications and property costs have not been disclosed.

Training and support

Chick-fil-A selects local owner-operators for their leadership ability, business judgement and commitment to service. Previous employment with the company or experience in restaurants is not essential. Operators are expected to develop and train their restaurant teams, oversee day-to-day performance and build relationships with local organisations. The supplied information does not specify the duration of initial operator training or provide a detailed breakdown of formal support services.

Operational requirements

Chick-fil-A requires franchise owner-operators to take a full-time, hands-on role in running their restaurants. Responsibilities include daily operations, recruiting and developing team members, customer service, business performance and community engagement. Applicants must be prepared for long working hours and active leadership of a largely hourly-paid workforce. The business is not intended for passive investors. Restaurants traditionally close on Sundays.

Experience required

Previous restaurant experience is not essential, and applicants do not need to have worked for Chick-fil-A. The company considers candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including retail, education, healthcare and other industries. It seeks proven business leaders with entrepreneurial drive, strong results, a commitment to serving others and the ability to lead teams. Selection is highly competitive, and successful applicants must devote their full-time efforts to the business.

Territory availability