In the provided table, what does 'Opened' represent regarding Chick Fil A Licensed Units?
Chick_Fil_A Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Notes:
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- All numbers for "Outlets at Start of the Year" in the preceding table are as of the beginning of each fiscal year. All numbers for "Outlets at End of the Year" in the preceding table are as of the end of each fiscal year.
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- For purposes of the above table, "Opened" reflects the total number of franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurants opened in each state during each fiscal year, including both new restaurants and company-owned restaurant operations purchased by an Operator from Chick-fil-A.
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- For purposes of the above table, "Terminations" reflects the total number of Franchise Agreements terminated in each state during each fiscal year by Chick-fil-A prior to the end of the Franchise Agreement's term and without providing any consideration to the Operator (whether by payment, forgiveness or assumption of debt, or new franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurant opportunity).
TABLE NO. 3 STATUS OF FRANCHISE OUTLETS FOR YEARS 2022 TO 2024
Source: Item 20 — Outlets and Franchisee Information (FDD pages 83–102)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the term 'Opened' in the context of Chick-fil-A Licensed Units refers to the total number of franchised Chick-fil-A Restaurants that opened in each state during each fiscal year. This number includes both newly established restaurants and company-owned restaurant operations that were purchased by an Operator from Chick-fil-A. This information is crucial for prospective franchisees as it provides insight into the brand's expansion and growth trends across different states.
The 'Opened' data, as presented in Table No. 3, offers a historical perspective on Chick Fil A's franchise development activities. By examining the number of units opened in specific states over the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, potential franchisees can gauge the brand's market penetration and growth potential in those areas. This information can be used to assess the saturation level and competitive landscape in different regions, aiding in making informed decisions about where to invest.
For example, a prospective Chick Fil A franchisee might notice that a particular state has seen a consistent increase in the number of 'Opened' units over the past three years. This could indicate a growing market and strong consumer demand for Chick Fil A's products and services in that region. Conversely, a state with a declining number of 'Opened' units might suggest a saturated market or other challenges that could impact the profitability of a new franchise location. Therefore, understanding what 'Opened' represents is essential for conducting thorough due diligence and evaluating the potential risks and rewards associated with investing in a Chick Fil A franchise.