Franchise Comparator

Chick-fil-A vs Slim Chickens: franchise cost side by side

Chick-fil-A is the cheaper of the two to open, from $317,521; Slim Chickens starts at $1,188,900.

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.

Slim Chickens starts at $1,188,900, the lowest cost to open given in each FDD.

From each FDDChick-fil-A logoChick-fil-ASlim Chickens logoSlim Chickens
Total cost to open$317,521 to $3,463,155$1,188,900 to $4,944,000
Upfront fee$10,000$30,000
Royalty (ongoing fee)15% of gross receipts (less equipment rent and a services fee) plus 50% of the monthly profit5% of gross sales
Marketing fundup to 3.25% of gross receipts, not charged now2% of gross sales
Published sales$9,161,239 a year (average of 2,302 locations, 2025)$2,351,047 a year (average of 166 locations, 2025)
Outlets2,795 franchised, 68 company204 franchised, 11 company
Year filed20262026

Not sure which brands to pick? Get help choosing or browse the full table.

Read the full figures on the Chick-fil-A franchise page and the Slim Chickens 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.

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