Skip to content

About Chick-fil-A

The company behind the chicken sandwich — who owns it, when it was founded, where it started, and how big it is today.

Founded in Atlanta, 1946

Chick-fil-A traces back to 1946, when S. Truett Cathy opened a small diner called the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia (just south of Atlanta). In 1964, Cathy invented the original boneless chicken breast sandwich — the item that would define the brand. The first restaurant to carry the Chick-fil-A name opened in 1967 at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta.

Family-owned and private

Chick-fil-A is a privately held company owned by the Cathy family. It is not publicly traded — there is no Chick-fil-A stock. Truett Cathy led the company until his death in 2014; his son Dan Cathy served as Chairman & CEO, and his grandson Andrew T. Cathy is the current CEO. Each of the 3,000+ restaurants is run by a single independent local Operator under Chick-fil-A's unique franchise model.

Closed on Sundays

Since 1946, every Chick-fil-A has closed on Sunday so employees can rest and worship — a policy written into every Operator agreement. The chain is also closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. See our hours guide.

Scale today

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Chick-fil-A?+
Chick-fil-A is a privately held company owned by the <strong>Cathy family</strong> of Atlanta, Georgia. It is not publicly traded and has never sold stock. Founder S. Truett Cathy died in 2014; leadership has stayed in the family, with his grandson Andrew T. Cathy serving as CEO. Each restaurant is operated by an independent local franchise Operator.
Who founded Chick-fil-A?+
<strong>S. Truett Cathy</strong> (1921–2014) founded Chick-fil-A. He ran a single diner — the Dwarf Grill — in Hapeville, Georgia, where in 1964 he invented the original boneless chicken breast sandwich.
When was Chick-fil-A founded?+
Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant in <strong>1946</strong>. The Chick-fil-A brand officially began in <strong>1967</strong>, when the first Chick-fil-A opened at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where did Chick-fil-A start?+
In the Atlanta, Georgia area. The concept began at the Dwarf Grill/Dwarf House in Hapeville (near Atlanta) in 1946, and the first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1967 at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta. The company is still headquartered in Atlanta.
How old is Chick-fil-A, and how long has it been around?+
The brand is over 55 years old (first store 1967), and the Cathy restaurant business dates to 1946 — nearly 80 years.
What does "Chick-fil-A" mean?+
It plays on "chicken fillet." The capital "A" stands for "Grade A," a nod to top-quality chicken. Truett Cathy coined the name when he introduced the boneless breast sandwich in 1964.
How many Chick-fil-A locations are there?+
Roughly 3,000+ restaurants across 49 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with a small number of international locations. Our directory lists 3,100+ U.S. stores — browse them on the <a href="/locations">locations map</a>.
Is Chick-fil-A Christian?+
Chick-fil-A was founded on Christian principles, and the Cathy family are devout Baptists — the famous Sunday-closure policy reflects those beliefs. The company's stated corporate purpose is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
Is Chick-fil-A publicly traded, and what is it worth?+
No — Chick-fil-A is privately held, so you cannot buy stock. Because it is private there is no public market valuation, but its U.S. system-wide sales have topped $20 billion annually, making it one of the largest restaurant chains in America by revenue per store.
What is the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl?+
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is a major college football postseason game played annually in Atlanta (typically late December / early January) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Chick-fil-A has been the title sponsor of the bowl for decades.

About this site

ChickFilAMenu.online is an independent, fan-built reference for the Chick-fil-A menu — every item with prices and calories, 3,100+ U.S. locations with addresses and phone numbers, plus hours, allergen info, healthy options, catering, and seasonal items. Prices reflect typical national pricing for 2026 and may vary by franchise Operator; calorie counts come from Chick-fil-A's published nutrition guides (verified 2026).

This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Chick-fil-A, Inc. Chick-fil-A®, the Chick-fil-A logo, and all menu item names are trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc. Spot an outdated price? Visit our FAQ or blog.