CHICK-FIL-A License Program
The Chick-fil-A License Program grants licenses to operate limited-menu, quick-service restaurants featuring boneless breast of chicken sandwiches and related items like nuggets, salads, fries, and lemonade in non-traditional captive audience locations such as schools, universities, airports, hospitals, and workplaces. Licensees either self-operate from custom facades or counter areas or act as food service providers to third-party operators at these sites, complying with Chick-fil-A's standards and specifications without an initial license fee. The target market is primarily customers aged 18-44, with a developed presence in the Sunbelt region from Pennsylvania south through Texas and growing elsewhere.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
10% license fee (royalty on Gross Receipts) + 0% ad fund + no fixed monthly fees
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 384 domestic Chick-fil-A Licensed Units open for at least one full calendar year as of December 31, 2023, operated by independent, franchised Licensees.
* Calculated overall weighted average gross revenue from two segments: College/University campuses (300 units, average $1,327,108) and Hospitals/Businesses/Industries/Airports (84 units, average $3,278,264). Weighted average = (300 * $1,327,108 + 84 * $3,278,264) / (300 + 84) = $1,753,923.375. The document explicitly states that it does not reflect costs of sales or operating expenses, so no profit/EBITDA figures or estimates could be provided.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CHICK-FIL-A License Program Compares to Other Fast Casual Franchises
Key Insights
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Fast Casual
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHICK-FIL-A License Program Current | $586K - $3.3M | N/A | 10.0% | 412 |
| Tropical Smoothie Cafe | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ | $300K - $721K | $35K | 6.0% | 1,371 |
| FIREHOUSE SUBS RESTAURANTS (UNIT) | $379K - $1.4M | $20K | 6.0% | 1,248 |
| Zaxby's | $1.4M - $3.8M | $35K | 6.0% | 826 |
| Qdoba | $548K - $1.3M | $40K | 5.0% | 652 |
Fast Casual Average 107 franchises | $532K - $1.2M | $39K | 5.6% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 107 Fast Casual franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2023)
Outlets by state across the United States
+34 more states
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (associated with Cheryl Bachelder) filed Chapter 11 on February 17, 2020.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise?
The total initial investment to open a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise ranges from $585,500 to $3,337,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 10.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise make?
According to the 2024 FDD, the average gross revenue for a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise is $1,753,923.38.
How many CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise locations are there?
As of the 2024 FDD, CHICK-FIL-A License Program has 412 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1992.
Is CHICK-FIL-A License Program a good franchise to buy?
CHICK-FIL-A License Program shows several positive indicators: established brand with 412+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19). However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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