The Chick-fil-A Story
The Beginning
In 1946, S. Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, The Dwarf Grill, in Hapeville, Georgia. Through the years, that restaurant prospered and led Cathy to further the success of his business. In 1967, Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta's Greenbriar Shopping Center.
The Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Truett Cathy invented the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich in the early 1960s. He experimented with different seasonings and cooking methods before perfecting the recipe that would become the foundation of our business: a boneless breast of chicken, seasoned to perfection, hand-breaded, pressure-cooked in 100% refined peanut oil and served on a toasted, buttered bun with two dill pickle chips.
Growth and Expansion
From its modest beginning as a small restaurant in a suburban Atlanta shopping mall, Chick-fil-A has grown to become one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the United States. Today, there are more than 3,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country, with many more locations in development.
The Operator Model
What sets Chick-fil-A apart is our unique franchise model. Unlike traditional franchises, Chick-fil-A restaurant Operators are selected for their leadership ability, business acumen and character. Operators don't purchase the restaurant, but instead are granted the rights to operate it. This ensures that each restaurant has a dedicated, hands-on leader who is personally invested in the success of the business and the well-being of team members.
Innovation and Excellence
Throughout our history, Chick-fil-A has been committed to innovation while maintaining the high standards that made us successful. From pioneering the chicken sandwich category to developing new menu items and service models, we continue to evolve while staying true to our core values and commitment to quality.
Community Commitment
From the beginning, Chick-fil-A has been committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Through scholarship programs, youth development initiatives, and local restaurant giving, we strive to have a positive impact on the people around us. Each Chick-fil-A restaurant is independently operated, allowing Operators like ours to make a meaningful difference in their local communities.
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow and serve more customers across the nation, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the beginning: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a dedication to having a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.