Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Energy
- The ability to research
- Judgment
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Step 1
Scout for location. You’ll want to have the location (storefront) in mind, as well as at least two backup locations. Information you should obtain: street address, proximity to other Chick-Fil-A locations, rents, competing restaurants in the area. When scouting be sure to keep the following things in mind: 1. The space must be zoned not just for commercial use, but for food service businesses, 2. Size. If the store is too small your customers will be crowded, too large and you will be paying for wasted space. 3 Variation in city taxes, and how that effects your costs, as well as sales tax differences that will effect your customers as well.
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Step 2
Get an idea of the area's demographic. You should be able to do this with county records or a recent census.
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Step 3
Find out about zoning and licensing, because each state and county will vary. Your county clerk will be able to help you with this. Be sure to ask about special licensing for food preperation business as well as costs.
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Step 4
Find out about different types of businesses, and the advantages/restrictions associated with them.
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Step 5
Price equipment and utilities.
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Step 1
Choose your business type. Sole ownership, partners, or corporation.
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Step 2
Take a realistic inventory of how much money you can afford to invest in your business and how much you will have to get from loans.
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Step 3
Decide on your top location based on the factors discussed above.
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Step 1
Write your executive summary. This should include: The service/product you intend to supply, how it’s unique in the community, company goals, a 3 to 5 year plan, biographies of your management team, a financing plan and an exit strategy.
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Step 2
Write a more detailed description of the business. This section (and all described in following steps) should have their own page.
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Step 3
Write a more detailed description of the products and services you will be providing.
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Step 4
Write a more detailed description of the market for your products.
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Step 5
Write a section outlining your marketing program.
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Step 6
Write a section with more detailed description of your management team and their experience.
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Step 7
Write a section analyzing your competition, and its strengths and weaknesses.
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Step 8
Write a section detailing your financial projections, a balance sheet and estimated expenses.
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Step 9
Add a cover page and index.
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Step 10
Proofread and spell check.
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Step 1
Visit the Chick-fil-A website and obtain the contact information for the franchise office.
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Step 2
Make contact via your preferred available method. Ask specific questions about franchise costs and requirements.
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Step 3
Once you have your answers request to meet with (or speak with if you’re too far away). A franchise representative, bring your research and business plan.
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Step 4
Obtain as much information about the franchise process. Your representitive will be your guide to this process.
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Step 5
Ask to visit with or speak to other franchise owners. Ask them questions about what it is like to work with the company.
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Step 6
Contact the franchise representitave when you are ready to proceed with the paper work.
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Step 7
Complete the needed paperwork, both for the franchise and the state, pay and associated fees.
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Step 1
Obtain your financing.
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Step 2
Purchase your equipment and goods.
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Step 3
Hire your staff.
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Step 4
Set up your store and pass inspection.
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Step 5
Set an opening day.
Comments
tesstown said
on 11/11/2009 Chick-fil-A does not take suggestions for restaurant locations; they do all of the research on locations themselves and the decisions are made on a corporate level.
samyr said
on 8/28/2008 I've read that to own your Chick-Fil-A restaurant it'll cost you $5,000 and you will be charged a 15% for marketing and 50% based on your restaurant's monthly profit. Thus, the reason for the low start up fee. My question is, for 5k and 65% from my Chick's facility...What exactly will I get for that price? Is there any other fees before I open for business?
Sincerely,
Myrlande