Chick-fil-A is super selective about its franchisees. Approximately 0.003 percent of candidates are accepted. According to experts, becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee is more difficult than getting into Harvard. In correlation, Harvard had a 4.5% admission rate for the class of 2023, which is nearly 30 times those of Chick-Fil-A.
In other words, Harvard Business School approves approximately 3,667 times the number of candidates as Chick-fil-A. Keeping this in mind, think about your professional experience prior to applying.
With the average Chick-fil-A store making around $4 million in sales per year, it is simple to understand why numerous people want the franchise. The restaurant conducts in-person and video conversations with the best contenders after they submit a preliminary application form.
As per Business Insider, the corporation might consult friends, family, as well as former business associates. Even though prior employment with Chick-fil-A is not required, it obviously helps, with approximately 60% of new franchise owners possessing prior work experience with the organization.
Chick-Fil-A Franchisee Selection Procedures
Even if you have the $10,000 original investment, becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee is an extremely selective procedure. Start by looking at their specifications below.
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Multi-layered Application
Chick-fil-A has a rigorous screening process that begins with its tiered system.
- Tier 1: A simple application in which you will be asked for certain basic details.
- Tier 2: Details on prior employment knowledge, competence, economic well-being, and preferred location.
- Tier 3: The selection procedure.
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Interviews, both virtual and in-person
Prepare to be diligent once you’re at the interview phase. According to some interview participants, this procedure can take weeks or as long as twelve months. Interviews can take place over the phone, via video, or in person. Chick-fil-A Recruiters prefer to be patient with this procedure since they are seeking an understanding of what makes you tick as an individual.
The quick-service restaurant adheres to the value systems ingrained in it by its creator, S. Truett Cathy, but also would like to guarantee that everybody engaged in the franchise is on the same page. Chick-fil-A values include the following:
- Serving the clients.
- Giving back to the community.
- To bring glory to God.
- Work-life integration (the primary reason they stay closed on Sundays).
- Dedication to DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion).
- Providing equal access.
- Differentiating oneself.
- Developing a sense of belonging.
- Purpose, humility, and optimism.
Chick-fil-A seeks a franchise owner who is committed to its store as well as its mission. If this describes you, you have an improved likelihood of making it to step three. The screening process is rigorous, and Chick-fil-A reserves the privilege to terminate your interview at any moment, which explains why their selection rate is so small.
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Final Decision
If you are chosen among the 0.001% to advance, Chick-fil-A will commend you and notify you about the subsequent steps. You would be offered additional information about the entire procedure and financials before beginning your Chick-fil-A multi-week training course.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A does not refer to its franchise owners as “franchisees.” Rather, they are referred to as “operators,” which better describes their position in the business.
Furthermore, operators don’t really “own” the company or hold shares in it, and the site is chosen by Chick-fil-A corporate. Furthermore, the original contract is personal to the person who passed the approval process; the business cannot be auctioned or transferred to other relatives.