Chick-fil-A
Interested in selling your Chick-fil-A NNN property or Chick-fil-A ground lease property and wondering what you can get for it in today’s changing market?
Contact us for a complimentary broker opinion of value for your off-market Chick-fil-A NNN property for sale or Chick-fil-A ground lease property for investment, specifically tailored to support your 1031 exchange requirements. This valuable assessment will provide you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions regarding the sale of your Chick-fil-A NNN property or the inclusion of a Chick-fil-A ground lease property in your investment portfolio. As specialists in working with 1031 exchange buyers seeking off-market Chick-fil-A properties, we are dedicated to delivering competitive offers with reduced fees to help you maximize your investment returns.
Number of locations
As of 2025, Chick-fil-A operates over 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. The chain continues to expand each year with new freestanding, drive-thru-only, and modernized store formats.
Revenue and income
For 2023, Chick-fil-A’s systemwide sales exceeded $21.6 billion, showing strong year-over-year growth. Average annual sales per freestanding Chick-fil-A location remain among the highest in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry — often exceeding $9 million per unit, far above competitors.
Future plans
Big growth initiatives
Chick-fil-A aims to significantly expand its footprint and operational capabilities through:
1. Strong U.S. expansion
Chick-fil-A continues to open dozens of new locations annually, with a strategic focus on high-performing suburban, urban, and travel-corridor markets.
2. New store formats
The brand is rolling out innovative formats including:
Drive-thru-only stores
Walk-up and compact urban stores
Multi-lane high-capacity drive-thru concepts
These formats support faster throughput and higher transaction volume.
3. International expansion
Chick-fil-A is gradually scaling outside the U.S., with new stores in Canada and long-term plans for selective international markets.
4. Supply chain & technology upgrades
The company is heavily investing in:
Improved fulfillment systems
Menu innovation
Digital ordering
Mobile app upgrades
Drive-thru flow optimization
These investments support stronger unit economics and site productivity.
5. Customer engagement programs
Chick-fil-A continues to strengthen its loyalty program (Chick-fil-A One®) and enhance digital personalization to increase repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Corporate vs. franchise
Chick-fil-A is a privately held, family-owned company.
Unlike typical franchises, Chick-fil-A uses an operator model, meaning:
Chick-fil-A retains ownership of the real estate and brand.
Operators run the stores but do not own the property or the business.
The model allows consistent brand standards and strong financial performance.
There is no franchise vs. corporate store split — all restaurants are operated under Chick-fil-A’s unique operator agreement.
Additional information about Chick-fil-A properties
Chick-fil-A began in 1946 as “The Dwarf Grill” in Hapeville, Georgia.
The first official Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1967 in an Atlanta mall.
Chick-fil-A is famous for its signature chicken sandwich, customer service, and high-traffic drive-thru operations.
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Sundays — a long-standing brand policy.
Chick-fil-A History
Chick-fil-A’s story began in 1946 when founder S. Truett Cathy opened a small diner called The Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia. It was there that he developed the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich — a breaded chicken breast served on a buttered bun with pickles — which later became the cornerstone of the brand.
In 1967, Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant inside an Atlanta mall, marking the official launch of the brand. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Chick-fil-A expanded primarily through mall-based locations before opening its first standalone restaurant in 1986.
Over the decades, Chick-fil-A’s dedication to customer service, efficient operations, menu innovation, and strategic site selection helped it become one of the highest-performing restaurant chains in the United States. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 3,000 restaurants, supported by a rapidly expanding digital platform, record-breaking unit economics, and strong guest loyalty.
Why Invest in Ground Lease and NNN Lease of Chick-fil-A?
Investing in Chick-fil-A’s ground lease and triple net (NNN) lease properties offers compelling reasons:
1) Chick-fil-A NNN Property Investment: Stable income
Chick-fil-A is one of the most financially successful restaurant brands in the U.S., offering reliable, high-performing income streams. Ground and NNN leases backed by Chick-fil-A typically provide secure, predictable long-term returns.
2) Chick-fil-A NNN Property Investment: Established tenant
Chick-fil-A generates some of the highest per-unit sales in the fast-food industry. Its established brand reputation and exceptional customer loyalty significantly reduce vacancy and credit risk.
3) Chick-fil-A NNN Property Investment: Low management responsibility
In many Chick-fil-A ground lease or NNN lease structures, the tenant handles operating expenses, taxes, and maintenance — delivering a passive, hands-off investment model for landlords.
4) Chick-fil-A NNN Property Investment: Favorable lease terms
Chick-fil-A locations often benefit from long-term lease structures (commonly 15–20+ years) with rent escalations that support stable long-term income growth.
5) Chick-fil-A NNN Property Investment: Real estate value
Chick-fil-A strategically selects high-traffic, high-visibility properties — frequently on premium retail corners, near major traffic arteries, or in strong suburban clusters. These high-performing sites contribute to long-term real-estate appreciation.
Pros and Cons of Chick-fil-A Ground Lease and NNN Lease Investment
Pros:
Stable income backed by a strong, high-performing national brand.
Industry-leading unit sales reduce risk and support long-term tenancy.
Minimal landlord responsibilities in NNN / ground lease structures.
Long-term leases provide predictable, escalating rental income.
Cons:
Lease renewal risk after the initial term.
Heavy reliance on Chick-fil-A’s continued operational success.
High competition in QSR markets can influence performance.
Limited control over property modifications or operational decisions.
Market risks tied to real-estate cycles and economic conditions.
Thorough due diligence and careful evaluation of location quality, lease structure, tenant strength, and long-term investment strategy are essential when considering a Chick-fil-A NNN or ground lease property. Consult experienced real estate professionals and financial advisors to ensure the investment aligns with your portfolio goals, risk tolerance, and 1031 exchange requirements.
MarketWatch: Chick-fil-A
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