How Much Does a Chick-fil-A Franchise Cost?
Data from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document
Investment Summary
Total Investment
$427K – $2.3M
Franchise Fee
$10K
Royalty
15.0%
Ad Fund
0.0%
Cost Breakdown
Initial Franchise Fee
The initial franchise fee for Chick-fil-A is $10K. This one-time payment covers the right to operate under the brand, access to proprietary systems, and initial training programs.
Total Investment Range
Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise requires a total investment of $427K – $2.3M. This range typically includes real estate or leasehold improvements, equipment and fixtures, initial inventory, signage, insurance, and working capital to sustain operations during the ramp-up period.
Working capital alone ranges from $391K to $2.1M.
Ongoing Costs
Beyond the initial investment, Chick-fil-A franchisees pay ongoing fees. The royalty fee is 15.0% of gross sales (Split Profits). The advertising or brand fund contribution is 0.0% of gross sales. There is also a technology fee of $20K.
Net Worth & Liquid Capital Requirements
Chick-fil-A requires working capital of $391K – $2.1M to cover initial operating expenses. This is the liquid cash you should have available beyond the franchise fee and buildout costs.
What Can You Earn?
According to Chick-fil-A's Item 19 financial performance representation:
Median gross sales: $9.2M
This figure comes from Item 19 of the FDD. Gross sales are not the same as take-home profit. After deducting royalties, ad fund fees, rent, labor, and COGS, net income is typically a fraction of gross revenue.
How Do Banks View Chick-fil-A?
SBA Loans Issued
2
Default Rate
0.0%
The SBA (Small Business Administration) tracks loan performance for franchise brands. Chick-fil-A has 2 SBA-backed loans on record. The default rate is 0.0%, which is below the franchise industry average, indicating relatively lower lending risk. A lower default rate generally indicates that lenders view the franchise as a safer investment, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Next Steps
Talk to current Chick-fil-A franchise owners
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See full Chick-fil-A research
Risk analysis, unit growth, contract terms, and more
Compare Chick-fil-A to similar franchises
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