Are the fees imposed by Chick Fil A refundable?

According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the fees imposed by Chick Fil A are generally non-refundable. The FDD specifies that all fees are non-refundable unless expressly stated otherwise. These fees are payable either directly to Chick Fil A, to Chick Fil A as an administrator if determined by a vote of operators in the local or regional area, or to the insurance company for various insurance premiums such as workers' compensation, general liability, auto liability, and employment practices liability insurance coverages.

This non-refundability clause means that once a franchisee pays a fee to Chick Fil A or its designated entities, they cannot expect to receive a refund of that fee under normal circumstances. This policy is uniformly applied to all franchisees, with exceptions only as expressly provided. Franchisees should carefully review the Franchise Agreement and related documents to understand which fees are applicable and to be aware of the non-refundable nature of these payments.

Prospective franchisees should take this into account when evaluating the financial obligations associated with operating a Chick Fil A franchise. Understanding the specific conditions under which fees are imposed and the lack of refund options is crucial for financial planning and risk assessment. Franchisees should seek clarification from Chick Fil A regarding any fees that are unclear or for which they desire more information about potential exceptions to the non-refundability policy.