CHICK-FIL-A License Program
The Chick-fil-A License Program grants licenses to operate limited-menu, quick-service restaurants featuring Chick-fil-A brand products, primarily the boneless breast of chicken sandwich, along with items like nuggets, waffle fries, salads, milkshakes, lemonade, and breakfast options, in non-traditional captive audience locations such as schools, universities, airports, hospitals, workplaces, and similar sites. Licensees can operate directly as Self-Operators or provide food service to third-party owners as Food Service Providers, using custom facades, counter areas, or existing facilities, while adhering strictly to Chick-fil-A's standards and specifications with no initial license fee required. The target market includes customers primarily aged 18-44, with developed markets in the Sunbelt region from Pennsylvania south through Texas and expanding 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% royalty (license fee on Gross Receipts) + no ad fund + no fixed monthly fees
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: 409 domestic Chick-fil-A Licensed Units open for at least one full calendar year as of December 31, 2024 and operated by Licensees during the entire year.
* Calculated weighted average gross revenue: (312 units × $1,395,745 + 97 units × $3,451,788) / 409 total units = $1,883,364.0. Calculated weighted median gross revenue: (312 units × $897,932 + 97 units × $3,152,764) / 409 total units = $1,432,696.56. Net income, profit, EBITDA, and profit range could not be determined as the document explicitly states that it does not reflect costs of sales or operating expenses.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How CHICK-FIL-A License Program Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Higher than average SBA loan default rate in Fast Food
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHICK-FIL-A License Program Current | $586K - $3.4M | N/A | 10.0% | 425 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+34 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchisees (2016 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
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. (where director Cheryl Bachelder served as Interim CEO until November 2019) 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 $3,437,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 10.0% of gross sales.
How much revenue does a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise make?
According to the 2025 FDD, the average gross revenue for a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise is $1,883,364. The median revenue is $1,432,696.56.
How many CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, CHICK-FIL-A License Program has 425 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1992.
Can you get an SBA loan for a CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchises. Historical data shows 2 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for CHICK-FIL-A License Program franchisees, with an average loan amount of $1,717,850. The historical default rate is 0.0%.
Is CHICK-FIL-A License Program a good franchise to buy?
CHICK-FIL-A License Program shows several positive indicators: established brand with 425+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. 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.
Interested in CHICK-FIL-A License Program?
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