Each year tens of thousands of individuals express interest in becoming Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators and often less than 100 are selected to join the Chick-fil-A organization within a given year. It is a competitive process and candidates often ask David for advice on how they can improve their candidacy. With over ten years of experience selecting Owner/Operators for Chick-fil-A and serving as a franchisee of his own Chick-fil-A, David has a great understanding of what makes a great Chick-fil-A Operator. Below are a set of frequently asked questions that David often receives that can better help those who are interested in pursuing a career with Chick-fil-A as a franchised Operator. The information shared below does not necessarily represent the views or selection process of
Chick-fil-A, but rather the opinion of David in his years of experience within the Chick-fil-A organization. Interested Chick-fil-A Operator candidates are encouraged to continue to do their due diligence and research when pursuing the Chick-fil-A Operator opportunity. For more information about the
Chick-fil-A franchise process click here.
What Make's a Great Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator?
Character
Operating a Chick-fil-A can be a very challenging and stressful opportunity. Operators are faced with difficult decisions each day and leading your business with integrity and care is what has made Chick-fil-A a such a successful brand over the years. Operators not only serve as role models for their team, but also within their local community which highlights the importance of high character.
Leadership Capacity
The greatest asset that Chick-fil-A has is its people. They are our secret to success and therefore Operators need to have the experience to lead a business upwards of 100 or more individuals. This includes everything from creating a competitive benefits and pay structure, recruitment strategy, vision and culture, talent development plans, and leadership framework. For a Chick-fil-A to be successful, it is essential that Operators have the ability to attract and retain top talent.
Chemistry
The restaurant industry is unique because it is a very hands on and customer driven business. Operators need to have a passion for serving others as well as working in a retail environment. This can often mean long hours that are physically demanding. Typically, your workforce is also younger in age which requires the flexibility for Operators to not only relate, but develop the talent on their team to be successful.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Often times people think that just by opening a Chick-fil-A location that it will be wildly successful. Though
Chick-fil-A does have a lot of brand recognition, our ability to grow comes from Operators ability to think innovative and continually optimize their business operation. Whether it's outside order takers, equipment modifications, or even Chick-fil-A sauce, all of these crucial improvements have come from Operators' pursuits to improve and grow their businesses.
Business Acumen
Chick-fil-A Operators are leading multi-million dollar organizations which requires a high level of understanding in business including operations, finance, marketing, and talent management. Operators need to understand how to create systems within each area of the business and have a strong understanding of how each area of the business interacts so that they can grow a strong and profitable business.
Situational Circumstance
At the end of the day, Operators have the greatest impact in their community when they are invested in the community in which they serve. It will often be demonstrated through the schools they support, or the boards of organizations they serve, or the ways they help their community improve through donations and volunteering. It's an investment that takes time and Operators should consider their long term commitment to the communities in which they desire to open a
Chick-fil-A restaurant.
Questions to Consider
Why do you want to be a
Chick-fil-A Operator?
Understanding your "why" for becoming a Chick-fil-A Operator is probably one of the most important questions you can answer. This will be a consistent question in the interview process and knowing why the Chick-fil-A Operator opportunity is a right fit for you is important.