What was the net change in the number of franchised Chick Fil A outlets during the year 2023?

According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the net change in the number of franchised Chick Fil A outlets during 2023 was an increase of 163 locations. At the start of 2023, there were 2,331 franchised outlets, and by the end of the year, this number had grown to 2,494. This indicates a significant expansion of the Chick Fil A franchise system during that year.

For a prospective franchisee, this growth trend suggests a healthy and expanding franchise system. It could mean more brand visibility, increased customer base, and potentially stronger support from the franchisor due to the larger network. However, it's also important to consider that rapid growth can sometimes strain resources and support systems, so a potential franchisee should investigate how Chick Fil A manages its growth and ensures consistent quality and support across all locations.

It is also important to note that the net change reflects the overall system growth and does not necessarily indicate the performance or success of individual franchise locations. Factors such as regional market conditions, competition, and local economic factors can significantly impact the performance of a specific Chick Fil A restaurant. Therefore, while the system-wide growth is a positive sign, prospective franchisees should conduct thorough due diligence to assess the viability of their specific location and market.

Furthermore, the FDD also provides data on the status of company-owned outlets and licensed units. While the franchised outlets saw a net increase, the company-owned outlets experienced a net decrease of 22 units in 2023. This information, combined with the data on franchised outlets, provides a comprehensive view of Chick Fil A's overall expansion strategy and the relative importance of franchised versus company-owned operations.