Does every Chick Fil A restaurant require a drive-thru communications system?
Chick_Fil_A Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| General Production | 12 |
|---|---|
| Hot Entrée Products | 18 |
| Cold Entrée Products | 28 |
| Hot Sides | 34 |
| Cold Sides | 37 |
| Breakfast Items | 39 |
| Beverages | 48 |
| Desserts | 52 |
| Condiments | 56 |
| Grooming | 57 |
| Uniform | 58 |
| General Service Requirements | 60 |
| Inside Ordering Experience | 62 |
| Drive-thru Experience | 63 |
| Digital and On Demand Platforms | 65 |
| Mobile Ordering and Paying with Chick-fil-A One | 68 |
| Guest Recovery | 73 |
| Licensed Locations | 75 |
| Cleaning and Chemical Requirements | 81 |
| Facilities and Equipment | 86 |
| Catering Requirements | 110 |
| Seasonal Product Requirements | 115 |
| Off Menu Items | 119 |
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 103–600)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
The 2025 Chick Fil A Franchise Disclosure Document mentions a "Drive-thru Experience" as part of general service requirements. This suggests that Chick Fil A restaurants may commonly have drive-thrus. However, the document does not explicitly state that a drive-thru or a drive-thru communications system is a requirement for all Chick Fil A locations.
Without a definitive statement, prospective franchisees should confirm with Chick Fil A whether a drive-thru is mandatory for new restaurant locations. This is crucial for understanding the potential investment and operational requirements.
It is important to note that some Chick Fil A locations may be non-traditional, such as those in malls or airports, where a drive-thru would not be feasible. Therefore, it's essential to clarify the specific requirements for the type of location being considered.