FDD ITEM 20 · FISCAL 2013–2015
Chick-fil-A License Program Item 20: outlets, closures & growth
In its latest FDD Item 20 (fiscal 2015), Chick-fil-A License Program reported 289 franchised outlets at year end. 6 of 274 franchised outlets open at the start of the year left the system — an annualized exit rate of 2.2%— while 21 new outlets opened. Systemwide units moved +15.1% over 2013–2015.
| Status (FTC) | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlets at start | 236 | 251 | 274 |
| Opened | 24 | 27 | 21 |
| Transfers | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Terminations | 9 | 4 | 6 |
| Non-renewals | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Reacquired by franchisor | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ceased — other reasons | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Outlets at end | 251 | 274 | 289 |
| Net change | +15 | +23 | +15 |
6 terminations + 0 non-renewals + 0 ceased (other) = 6 exits ÷ 274 at start = 2.2%
These are the three FTC Item 20 statuses in which a franchisee involuntarily or terminally leaves the system. Transfers (0) are resales, not exits; reacquisitions by the franchisor (0) are tracked separately. There is no official “failure rate” — this annualized exit rate is the disclosed, measurable floor.
| State | Franchised | Company-owned |
|---|---|---|
| VA | 15 | 0 |
| UT | 2 | 0 |
| WV | 2 | 0 |
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