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From a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia to the third-largest restaurant chain in America. Discover the history, values, and milestones of Chick-fil-A.
3,000+
Restaurants nationwide
47
States plus D.C.
200K+
Team Members
#3
Largest U.S. chain by sales
1967
Year founded
6 Days
Open per week (closed Sunday)
It all started in 1946 when S. Truett Cathy opened a tiny restaurant called the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia. Located near the Ford Motor Company plant, the 24-hour diner became a neighborhood staple.
In the early 1960s, Cathy developed something that would change fast food forever: a pressure-cooked boneless chicken breast served on a toasted, buttered bun with two dill pickle chips. The result was a juicy, flavorful sandwich that could be prepared in under four minutes.
The first official Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in 1967in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall. From that single location, the brand grew through shopping malls across the Southeast before expanding to standalone restaurants in 1986.
Today, Chick-fil-A operates 3,000+ locations across 47 states and generates more revenue per restaurant than any other fast-food chain in the country — all while being closed every Sunday.
Launched in 1995, the iconic cow campaign became one of the most recognized advertising mascots in America. The rebellious cows encouraging people to eat chicken instead of beef have appeared on billboards, TV, and merchandise for nearly 30 years.
Since 1973, Chick-fil-A has awarded over $136 million in scholarships to restaurant team members through the Remarkable Futures program, helping thousands of employees pursue higher education.
Chick-fil-A employees are trained to respond “my pleasure” instead of “you're welcome.” This signature phrase, inspired by Truett Cathy's stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel, has become synonymous with the brand.
S. Truett Cathy opens his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia — a small diner near the Ford Motor Company plant.
Cathy invents the original pressure-cooked boneless chicken breast sandwich, served on a toasted buttered bun with two pickles.
The first Chick-fil-A restaurant opens in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall, establishing the mall-based restaurant concept.
Chick-fil-A opens its first free-standing restaurant in Atlanta, moving beyond the mall food court model.
Chick-fil-A overtakes KFC as the largest chicken restaurant chain in the United States by domestic system-wide sales.
Becomes the third-largest restaurant chain in America by sales, behind only McDonald's and Starbucks — despite being closed on Sundays.
Now operates more than 3,000 restaurants across 47 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The signature pressure-cooked, hand-breaded chicken breast on a toasted buttered bun with pickles. Unchanged since the 1960s.
Crinkle-cut waffle fries cooked in canola oil and seasoned with sea salt. America's favorite fast-food fry.
Learn more →Eight sauces including the legendary Chick-fil-A Sauce (a honey mustard BBQ blend) and Polynesian Sauce.
Learn more →Made with real ice cream in flavors like Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, Vanilla, and seasonal specialties.
Learn more →Every Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday — a tradition started by founder Truett Cathy in 1946.
Consistently rated #1 in customer satisfaction among fast-food chains, known for the 'my pleasure' culture.
Browse the full menu, find a location near you, or check out career opportunities.
This is a fan-made informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Chick-fil-A, Inc. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Menu items, prices, and nutrition information are provided for informational purposes and may vary by location.