One self-proclaimed finance coach is imparting business advice on how you can turn your favorite chicken sandwich shop into a money-making machine. But is there a catch? While the business mentor says no, some viewers aren’t so sure.
‘Do what the rich do’
In a viral 2024 TikTok, Kaz (@humblekingkaz) urges folks to stop buying Chick-fil-A and to instead “do what the rich do.”
Kaz simulates a conversation between Chick-fil-A and an entrepreneur. The latter asks what the catch is to opening a store location for only $10,000. ‘Chick-fil-A’ replies that there’s no catch and claims the company doesn’t require applicants to have a minimum net worth of $500,000 “like McDonald’s.”
“We even pay for everything to get your restaurant off the ground,” Chick-fil-A tells the applicant, adding that they don’t charge any setup fees.
“This sounds way too good to be true,” Kaz replies as the interested applicant. He adds that store operators make $200,000 yearly. Eager to get started, Kaz asks where he can apply. According to Chick-fil-A, there are only 80 open slots a year, and the company receives 60,000 applications.
Viewers aren’t enticed
While Kaz admits it can be “easier to get into Stanford” than to get approved to be a store operator for the chicken sandwich restaurant, he invites viewers to leave their thoughts below. And they didn’t hold back.
Several pointed out significant details Kaz allegedly left out, which warded them off from any interest they had.
“One of the catches is that, they want at least 70 percent of the proceeds,” one user claimed. “That’s why ur only getting like 200,000 a year. U don’t own it u operate it.”
Another echoed, “The catch is that you’re not an owner, your an operator. Which means you have to work there. The salary is nice, but don’t be fooled by the verbiage. I went through 3 interviews before being denied.”
One use claimed another requirement was that you had to work a year at Chick-fil-A first.
@humblekingkaz Did you know that you could franchise Chick-fil-A for $10,000? chick-fil-A store operators make around $200,000 per year ##franchise##chickfila##business#gr#greenscreen ♬ original sound – Humble King Kaz
Are all these claims about Chick-fil-A true?
According to the Chick-fil-A site, the $10,000 fee is accurate, and you also own the legal right to “own and operate” the franchise. You must also have no bankruptcy in your financial history and 5-plus years of professional experience. However, it says nothing about having to work at the restaurant a year before applying. This is misinformation, which there appears to be plenty of, as the company issued an article titled “Myths about becoming a Chick-fil-A operator” in 2024. Among these myths, the company debunked:
- You must live in the southeast.
- It only costs $10,000 upfront. (The “total initial investment goes beyond the amount of that payment.” The company refers here to “giving back” initiatives for the community.
- You must have worked at a Chick-fil-A restaurant before applying for a franchise opportunity.
- You need to have some type of restaurant experience.
- Store Operators can only own one restaurant.
- It’s impossible to get selected.
For more details on each of these myths, feel free to visit the restaurant’s site.
The Mary Sue reached out to Kaz and Chick-fil-A via email.
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