Is produce required to be purchased from suppliers approved in advance by Chick Fil A?
Chick_Fil_A Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must purchase all of the following items from suppliers who are approved in advance by Chick-fil-A: all present and future items of food and drink; all items of non-food inventory intended for sale to or use by your customers; all ingredients, food products, produce, mixes, spices, cooking aides, wrappings, food and beverage containers; certain other designated items necessary for maintaining and cleaning your franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurant business, certain proprietary marketing and promotional
Source: Item 8 — Restrictions on Sources of Products and Services (FDD pages 43–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must purchase all food and drink items, including produce, from suppliers approved in advance by Chick Fil A. This requirement ensures that all Chick Fil A restaurants maintain consistent quality and standards.
Chick Fil A may require franchisees to source certain produce locally in some circumstances. However, even when local sourcing is permitted, Chick Fil A reserves the right to approve the suppliers to ensure they meet the company's standards and specifications. This approval process allows Chick Fil A to control the quality and consistency of ingredients used in its restaurants, regardless of the sourcing location.
Chick Fil A also retains the right to change supplier requirements as the Chick Fil A system evolves. This flexibility allows Chick Fil A to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain its standards. While there are no guaranteed benefits for franchisees who use approved suppliers, failure to use these suppliers can result in franchise termination.