Chick-fil-A vs Chicken Salad Chick: franchise cost side by side
Chick-fil-A is the cheaper of the two to open, from $317,521; Chicken Salad Chick starts at $777,000.
Every figure comes from the brand's FDD, the disclosure file it must hand you before you sign.
Chick-fil-A is the cheaper to open, from $317,521.
Chicken Salad Chick starts at $777,000, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.
| From each FDD | Chick-fil-A | Chicken Salad Chick |
|---|
| Total cost to open | $317,521 to $3,463,155 | $777,000 to $998,500 |
|---|
| Upfront fee | $10,000 | $50,000 |
|---|
| Royalty (ongoing fee) | 15% of gross receipts (less equipment rent and a services fee) plus 50% of the monthly profit | 5% of gross sales (at least $600) |
|---|
| Marketing fund | up to 3.25% of gross receipts, not charged now | 2% of gross sales |
|---|
| Published sales | $9,161,239 a year (average of 2,302 locations, 2025) | $1,496,540 a year (average of 214 locations, 2025) |
|---|
| Outlets | 2,795 franchised, 68 company | 252 franchised, 74 company |
|---|
| Year filed | 2026 | 2026 |
|---|
Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.
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from $1.19MChicken Salad Chick vs Slim ChickensCost to open, Item 7, 2026 FDDs
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from $1.22MChicken Salad Chick vs PopeyesCost to open, Item 7, 2026 FDDs
Read the full figures on the Chick-fil-A franchise page and the Chicken Salad Chick franchise page, or read how to compare franchise costs.
Every brand's fee, royalty and Item 7 range is also in one table you can download: the franchise fee comparison.