Behind Chick-fil-A’s Unconventional Franchise Model | WSJ The Economics Of

Chick-fil-A has built its rapid growth on the popularity of its signature chicken sandwich. But its unconventional approach to business has helped make it the third biggest fast-food chain in the U.S.

WSJ gets an inside look at the business strategies including the unique franchise model, small menu and culture driving the Atlanta-based company’s success.

Photo Illustration: Alexander Hotz/WSJ

0:00 Chicken sandwich
0:42 Chick-fil-A’s history
1:26 Small menu
3:04 Atypical franchise model
5:06 Culture and values

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#ChickfilA #Chicken #WSJ

[keithjackson]

When they get my order wrong, I just assume that they know what’s best for me.

[Mason-kkny]

When I was in college I used to do cross-country bike rides every summer to raise money for a charitable cause. The local Chick-fil-A would always give me enough free meal cards to get one meal per day from them while out on my ride. No questions, no strings attached, and no expectations of me. As a broke college student trying to make a positive change in the world, I always appreciated the gesture. I think I'll always support them because of that.

[mindgamewords]

Chik fil a is what McDonald's used to be. They have people walking around asking if you need extra sauce, extra napkins, getting you refills. It is a nice experience. The workers seem like they like their job. Its awesome.

[isaiahmorales]

I currently work at Chick-fil-a and this is all very true. never have i ever been mistreated by another team member or director. My dream is to become an operator one day. My boss always says "we're in the people business that just happens to sell good chicken.

[ztornow]

People just want to be treated with respect and get the items they ordered. CFA does that at pretty much any location you go to. It’s a likable food chain

[TSPJGUAC]

I worked at CFA for three years and it was by far the best job experience I have had to date. It may sound silly but it prepared my for my other "real" job down the road. I gained so many leadership skills that have transferred to every other area in my life. I was cared for as a person and not just an employee. Our operator would treat all the employees to regular movie outings, amusement park trips, and Christmas parties. If you need a job, no matter what stage of life you are in, this is the place to go. And if I still lived near a CFA location, I would work there in a heartbeat.

[FinancialShinanigan]

Just judging by their customer service, you know why they're successful.

[Rdasboss]

I mean their drive through is crushing it. They encourage you to use the app, it works, and makes the process faster. They have lines longer than macdonalds but are faster or feels faster. Its frankly stunning.

[monicawilliams]

In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A are my go-to’s. Their menu is simple and affordable. The long drive-thru lines says that people will go no matter what and my order is always right.

[NicoleMaguire]

More than once I have come through a Chick-fil-a drive through for comfort food and had an employee ask if they could pray for me as I was visibly upset. I am not religious, but am so grateful for the kindness when I needed it most.

[sticksentertainment]

"The service in the drive-thru may be I think not. Chick-fil-a has the most streamlined drive-thru process in the fast food industry.

[brunojake]

I work at ChickFilA. When you clock in it’s game on, those drive thru lines do not have an end. More like a sports team than fast food!

[benmendoza]

I work at Chick-fil-A as a delivery driver. It’s nice, everyone that works there likes each other and talks all the time. Love getting free food

[deedeelpz]

Working there all summer and it has made me break out of my shell and made me an even more of a leader. I’m only a team member, but the way Chick-fil-A is structured is great. It’s an amazing first job for me, i got another Chick-fil-A job at the college i’m going to attend away from home. Im glad to be a part of it for this little part of my life :)

[Honduhdad]

I first had chick fil a 2 years ago. They are super fast. Beyond polite. Great quality. It's by far the best fast food place out there. I forgot my wallet once & they had my take my food anyway. I went back 15 minutes later & paid for my food as well as the next person in line to show my appreciation. Such an amazing place with even better people. I like a few things on the menu, chick fil a nuggets, mac & cheese, mix it together with bbq sause. Amazing. But i continue to go back because of the employees & how amazing it's ran. Keep doing amazing work !

[AlpacaCheese]

Plain and simple: it’s better than other food chains by a long long mile in just simple customer service, and on top of this, the chicken sandwich is amazing. Good food and good service is all you need. Wonder why other companies can’t seem to nail down a simple concept begs another question...

I'm not right-wing, I'm not left-wing, I'm the whole chicken! NICE

[finom]

"Can be slower" ... Umm their lines are longer but their wait time are quicker than other fast food businesses. At least in my experience.

[MotorcycleMouse]

Did she say chick fil a can be slower?! It’s the fastest place around. At McDonalds they hardly even talk to you, at Chick fil a, they make you feel like they want you there.

[toso]

I would hire any worker that used to work at Chick-fil-A. They value customer service.