You’re on the right track if you’re researching how to start a Chick-Fil-A franchise or any other venture. After all, there’s no better time to franchise a business than in 2022, when companies see the vast potential of independent franchisors. In fact, since the start of the pandemic, there has been a spike in new entrepreneurs.
The good news is that this has incentivized companies to make franchise programs easy for first-time business owners. In fact, one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States is offering a great deal with its program. Chick-fil-A, known for its chicken sandwiches, provides franchising for the general public.
Before we get into how to start a Chick-Fil-A franchise, here are some reasons you might want to start a franchise. First of all, you do not have to think of the company branding and identity from scratch. Because of the brand name attached to the company, it becomes fairly easy for owners to take advantage of the hype around the franchise. But that doesn’t mean that opening a franchise doesn’t come with its fair share of challenges.
How to Start a Chick-Fil-A Franchise
With that, here’s how to start a Chick-Fil-A franchise. The Chick-Fil-A website seeks prospective candidates in the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The commitment to the franchise is a lifelong investment. Mainly, this is geared toward individuals who want a passive financial investment while working on the sidelines. But while it is mainly marketed as a passive opportunity, it is an incredible hands-on opportunity.
Submit your application online
To start, you’ll want to submit all your requirements online. Once you’ve decided to invest in Chick-fil-A, check if you have two of their major requirements. First, if you have full-time availability, and second, if you have prior experience in a management role. Remember, prospective candidates should have strong leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. Hopefully, after your online application and initial interview, you’ll get a franchise contract.
Go through the training program
The next step on how to start a Chick-fil-A franchise is the most rigorous one: the multi-week training program. The course will teach you everything you need to know about running a business. This goes from hiring and training employees to deliver service fast.
Get ready for the opening
While Chick-fil-A will provide you with the tools to maintain and operate, you still primarily have to get going with only your wits and tenacity. You have to brace your staff for the people who will come in your doors. Apart from that, if you’re new in the industry, you also have to learn some things.
Initial franchise fee
Chick-Fil-A quickly points out that not everything is not sunshine and rainbows. In the beginning, a Chick-Fil-A restaurant requires at least a $10,000 initial financial cost. That doesn’t include other business expenses, such as acquiring permits and other operating licenses.
Total initial investment
If you are looking to pursue this line of franchise, then you can expect to spend $130,000 to a million dollars in investment. This boils down to the hiring and training of staff, the upkeep and maintenance of the location, and more operating costs. Take note this is only in the first few months. So, most likely, you’ll be spending more as you go. If you are successful in your opening, you can get your money back in no time.
Did you know?
Being in the restaurant industry also requires a dedicated team of staff. The quick-service restaurant industry can be brutal. Offering the best service through great food and a welcoming environment is the company’s top priority.
Because of this, Chick-fil-A franchises come with a little bit of complexity and risk. Basically, in this industry, you can’t cut corners. What effort you give in the business is directly proportional to your results. Even after that, though, success doesn’t always come in easy.
Finally, the franchise opportunity is highly selective. Financial integrity and business leader acumen are just some of the character traits that the company is looking for. Apart from that, they also value people who have a growth mindset and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
The lowdown
If you still aren’t sure if this is the right opportunity for you, then you might want to consider attending their in-person information sessions. Remember: they hold seminars in different states throughout the year. You can always check their website if a seminar is held near you.
Starting a franchise is no easy feat. It takes guts, patients, and a whole lot of determination to keep a business afloat. But the good news is that there will always be people who have got your back. The Chick-Fil-A franchise will provide you with support and guidelines to ensure that your business is operating and thriving.
And for other information about other franchises, you can learn more about it here in Franchise HOW!
