Chick-fil-A's Franchise Filter: 100,000 Applicants for ~200 Spots Annually
Chick-fil-A says it receives about 100,000 annual franchise applications but only appoints roughly 200 owner-operators each year; the $10,000 franchise fee has remained unchanged for 50 years, and operators do not own the restaurants—the chain retains ownership and real estate. Applicants come from diverse professional backgrounds, with more than a quarter having no prior Chick-fil-A experience, and many wait three to five years for an opportunity, while the company emphasizes leadership and community, and all locations are closed on Sundays.