And owners of franchises as well. The only requirement is that they fix food and serve the Chik-fil-A way and in the friendly customer oriented manner.
SOURCE: http://franchises.businessmart.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost.php
How Much Does a Chick-Fil-A Franchise Cost?
If you’re short on cash, you’re in luck. You only need $5000 to get in the game at Chick-Fil-A, but you have to get in line to be considered for one of these Mega-Brands. Chick-Fil-A franchise only selects 75 to 80 of the 10,000 applicants they get each year. If you are still interested in Chick-Fil-A, read on.
Chick-Fil-A franchisees enter the network through a narrow corridor. In addition to a mandate for Sunday-closings, Chick-Fil-A will also be requesting approximately 50% of your store profits. Here is how it works... Chick-fil-A pays for the land, the construction and the equipment. It then rents everything to the franchisee for 15% of the restaurant’s sales plus 50% of the pretax profit remaining.
In other words, Chick-Fil-A takes 65% of your profit. Most franchise companies take 8%-10% of gross sales.
Although the company considers you a franchisee, it will feel more like a partnership to you and only those willing to follow the rules are invited. Chick-Fil-A wants experienced professionals with good credit and high ideals.
Training is described as a multi-week, extensive training program that has to be completed prior to opening, and you can’t be involved in any other business ventures before, during, or after applying.
You will not own the land on which your Chick-Fil-A franchise sits, nor will you own the building nor will you be allowed to select the location. Chick-Fil-A carries a thick rulebook and a big stick when it comes to their franchises, but smart investors with little capital won’t mind. Store closings are practically unheard of, and you should end up retiring with an incredible nest egg to make up for that initial goose egg. So, if you have a little cash, and want to hold hands with this giant, Chick-Fil-A may be the right opportunity for you.