Operations
Chick-fil-A to lean on owner/operator model in non-traditional units
December 4, 2025
Chick-fil-A is moving its non-traditional locations in campuses, hospitals and theme parks to owner/operator models, according to a company report.
The chicken brand's owner/operator model isa franchise system in which operators manage a single restaurants and share profits with the company. The owner/operator is involved in daily operators by the brand retains ownership of the assets.
"Chick-fil-A is shifting its licensed location strategy to better serve guests in non-traditional restaurants by transitioning as many as possible to our local ownership franchise model. Over time this shift will impact restaurant locations on college campuses, hospitals and theme parks," a Chick-fil-A spokesperson told QSRweb.com in a statement.
In a blog post on its website, Chick-fil-A said the change will not include airport locations.
"Over the next several years, we will work towards converting many of our licensed locations to owner/ operator led restaurants to extend our proven model of local ownership and community engagement" the brand said in the blog post.
Each site will be evaluated individually with current licensee providers and campus administrators. And as more restaurants become owner/operator driven, customers will be able to use tech solutions offered by the company, including the app and Chick-fil-A One membership program. Customers will also be able to redeem branded gift cards, which are amenities and conveniences not available at licensed locations.
"We are excited about this next chapter and believe our local ownership business model will allow us to serve and care for guests and extend the great food and hospitality of Chick-fil-A in more places, for many years to come," the brand said in the blog post.
