Are Chick Fil A Operators required to participate in promotional campaigns?
Chick_Fil_A Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As part of local, regional or national marketing efforts, Operators are periodically required to participate in temporary or permanent promotional campaigns, honor coupons and participate in giveaway promotions for food or drink items at their respective Chick-fil-A Restaurants, for which the Operators may not be reimbursed.
You must participate in these promotional programs and campaigns and, at Chick-fil-A's election, your participation may be at your own cost, including the costs to purchase, lease and install all promotional campaign materials and devices, including counter cards, posters, banners, signs, photographs, give-away items and gift cards.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 55–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Operators are periodically required to participate in promotional campaigns. These campaigns can be temporary or permanent and may include honoring coupons or participating in giveaway promotions for food or drink items. Operators may not be reimbursed for these promotions.
Chick Fil A has the discretion to require participation at the Operator's own cost. This could include the expenses to purchase, lease, and install all promotional campaign materials and devices. These materials can include counter cards, posters, banners, signs, photographs, give-away items, and gift cards.
This means that as a Chick Fil A franchisee, you must be prepared to implement marketing campaigns and promotions, potentially at your own expense. This is a fairly standard practice in franchising, as promotional activities are essential for brand consistency and driving sales. However, the fact that Chick Fil A Operators may not be reimbursed for these promotions and may have to cover the costs of materials should be carefully considered.