Who is responsible for the employees hired to assist in operating the Chick Fil A business?
Chick_Fil_A Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
- (f) hire, determine the compensation and benefits for, establish schedules and duties for, train, manage, supervise, promote, discipline and terminate, timely pay all wages, benefits and employeerelated liabilities for, determine staffing levels, tasks to be performed and workplace health and safety rules for, such employees as the Operator desires or needs to assist in operating the Business and performing the Operator's duties hereunder, which employees shall be the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Operator as the employer of such employees;
- (g) pay all applicable federal, state and local taxes of whatsoever kind and nature assessed against or on account of the Business, including without limitation applicable income, sales, employee withholding, and all other taxes, assessments and charges, and make all such payments within the timeframes prescribed by applicable law;
- (h) obey and comply with all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders of governmental authorities applicable to or affecting the occupancy, operation and maintenance of the Business or the Site, including without limitation all applicable federal, state and local health, safety and sanitation laws, ordinances and regulations, and employment, labor and immigration laws including without limitation with regard to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, youth employment, medical and family leave,, military leave, paid sick leave or other paid time off, gender-pay differences, workplace and worker safety food and beverage handling, preparation and safety, occupational hazards and health, and consumer protection, as well as all applicable Data Protection Requirements (as hereinafter defined);; and
- (i) obtain and thereafter maintain in full force and effect any and all permits, certificates and licenses necessary for the full, proper and lawful conduct and operation of the
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 103–600)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Chick Fil A's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Operator (franchisee) is solely responsible for all aspects of employment related to their business's employees. This includes hiring, determining compensation and benefits, establishing schedules and duties, training, managing, supervising, promoting, disciplining, and terminating employees. The Operator is also responsible for paying all wages, benefits, and employee-related liabilities, as well as determining staffing levels, tasks, and workplace health and safety rules. This applies to employees working in the standard restaurant and those staffing a Chick Fil A food truck.
This means that as a Chick Fil A franchisee, you will have complete control over your employees but also bear the full responsibility for all employment-related matters. Chick Fil A will not be held liable for any employment-related issues, as your employees are not considered employees of Chick Fil A. The FDD emphasizes that the Operator must inform employees that Chick Fil A is not their employer and must present themselves to the public as an independent business owner operating a franchise.
This arrangement is common in franchising, where franchisees are typically independent business owners responsible for their own staff. However, it's crucial to understand the full scope of these responsibilities, including compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations. The Operator is responsible for obeying and complying with all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders of governmental authorities applicable to or affecting the occupancy, operation and maintenance of the Business or the Site, including without limitation all applicable federal, state and local health, safety and sanitation laws, ordinances and regulations, and employment, labor and immigration laws including without limitation with regard to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, youth employment, medical and family leave,, military leave, paid sick leave or other paid time off, gender-pay differences, workplace and worker safety food and beverage handling, preparation and safety, occupational hazards and health, and consumer protection, as well as all applicable Data Protection Requirements.
Prospective Chick Fil A franchisees should carefully consider the implications of being an employer, including the time and resources required to manage employees effectively and the potential legal liabilities. Understanding these responsibilities is essential for the successful operation of a Chick Fil A franchise.