Do Chick-fil-A's internal policies grant franchisees any contract rights?

According to Chick-fil-A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company's internal policies do not grant franchisees any contractual rights. Specifically, any internal policies that Chick-fil-A develops, applies, and modifies regarding the development of new restaurants are not considered part of the franchise contract. These policies also do not modify or affect Chick-fil-A's or the franchisee's contract rights and obligations under the Franchise Agreement. Furthermore, Chick-fil-A retains the right to change or cancel these internal programs and policies at any time. This means that franchisees cannot rely on internal policies as a source of contractual rights or obligations.

This aspect is crucial for prospective Chick-fil-A franchisees to understand because it clarifies that the Franchise Agreement is the sole determinant of their rights and obligations. Internal policies are subject to change at Chick-fil-A's discretion, and franchisees should not expect these policies to remain constant or to provide any legal recourse. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, where the written agreement takes precedence over internal guidelines.

Given this information, potential franchisees should focus on thoroughly understanding the terms and conditions outlined in the Franchise Agreement. They should seek legal counsel to review the agreement and clarify any ambiguities. Additionally, prospective franchisees should inquire about the types of internal policies that Chick-fil-A currently has in place and how frequently these policies are updated or changed. While these policies do not grant contractual rights, understanding them can provide insight into Chick-fil-A's operational practices and expectations.