Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, known for its chicken sandwiches and strong customer loyalty. But have you ever wondered who owns Chick-fil-A?
This article will provide a deep dive into the ownership structure of the company and its history.
History of Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A was founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Initially, Cathy opened a small restaurant called the Dwarf Grill, which later evolved into the Chick-fil-A we know today.
The company grew rapidly due to its unique business model and focus on high-quality chicken sandwiches. It became known for its commitment to customer service and its stance on being closed on Sundays.
Over time, Chick-fil-A became one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains in the U.S.
Who Owns Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A remains a 100% privately held company, entirely owned by the Cathy family, the descendants of founder S. Truett Cathy. The company has never gone public and does not have institutional investors or external shareholders.
Here’s a breakdown of the major shareholders of Chick-fil-A:
| Name | Role | Estimated Ownership | Relation to Founder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Truett Cathy | CEO, Major Shareholder | Part of family ownership | Grandson |
| Dan Cathy | Chairman, Largest Shareholder | Estimated 35–40% | Son |
| Donald “Bubba” Cathy | Executive VP, Major Shareholder | Estimated 20–25% | Son |
| Trudy Cathy White | Shareholder, Non-Executive | Estimated 15–20% | Daughter |
| Family Trusts & Holdings | Private Family Entities | Remaining 15–30% | Managed by Cathy family |
Andrew Truett Cathy – CEO and Shareholder
Andrew Truett Cathy is the current Chief Executive Officer of Chick-fil-A. He is the son of Donald “Bubba” Cathy and grandson of S. Truett Cathy. As a direct heir and active leader, Andrew is a major shareholder in the company.
Though the exact percentage of Andrew’s ownership is private, it is widely understood that his share forms part of the Cathy family’s total 100% control. His leadership role and family position make him one of the most influential stakeholders.
Dan Cathy – Chairman and Shareholder
Dan Cathy, the eldest son of S. Truett Cathy, served as CEO from 2013 to 2021. He currently holds the role of Chairman of the Board. Dan Cathy is one of the largest individual shareholders, with an estimated net worth between $10 billion and $12 billion, derived mainly from his ownership stake in Chick-fil-A.
His influence remains strong in guiding the company’s vision and preserving its culture.
Donald “Bubba” Cathy – Vice President and Shareholder
Donald M. “Bubba” Cathy, another son of the founder, has served in various leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and President of Dwarf House and Truett’s Grill. He remains a significant shareholder and continues to support company operations and family governance.
Bubba Cathy plays a key role in shaping long-term brand strategy and preserving the founder’s legacy.
Trudy Cathy White – Shareholder and Family Spokesperson
Trudy Cathy White is the daughter of S. Truett Cathy. Though not involved in daily operations, she remains a notable shareholder. She is active in philanthropic initiatives through the WinShape Foundation and serves as a family spokesperson, often promoting the company’s Christian values.
Trudy’s involvement in faith-based initiatives strengthens the cultural fabric of Chick-fil-A, which is reflected in its operational principles.
Cathy Family Trusts and Private Holdings
A portion of Chick-fil-A’s ownership is believed to be structured through family trusts and private holding companies, ensuring generational control and tax-optimized wealth transfer. These trusts are managed to ensure that the company remains private, family-controlled, and aligned with its core values.
There is no outside or institutional ownership—Chick-fil-A has never accepted private equity or venture capital funding.
Who Controls Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A remains a privately held, family-owned business with centralized leadership rooted in the Cathy family. Despite its size and national footprint, the company’s decision-making structure is unique and values-driven.
CEO: Andrew Truett Cathy
The current CEO of Chick-fil-A is Andrew Truett Cathy, grandson of the company’s founder, S. Truett Cathy. He assumed the role on November 1, 2021, becoming the third CEO in the company’s history. Andrew was previously a Chick-fil-A restaurant Operator and later served as Executive Vice President of Operations before taking the helm.
As CEO, Andrew is responsible for Chick-fil-A’s overall vision, strategic direction, and cultural leadership. He has emphasized continuing the company’s legacy of customer service, innovation, and strong values-based leadership. His tenure has also seen Chick-fil-A continue its expansion both in the U.S. and internationally.
President: Susannah Frost
In August 2024, Susannah Frost was appointed as the new President of Chick-fil-A. She plays a critical role in driving strategic alignment, supporting international growth, and overseeing operational leadership across departments. Her appointment reflects Chick-fil-A’s commitment to operational excellence and long-term global strategy.
Executive Committee and Board
Chick-fil-A is governed by a small executive leadership team and board of directors, primarily composed of Cathy family members and long-serving corporate leaders. The Cathy family retains full ownership and control, allowing for a streamlined leadership structure not influenced by outside shareholders or institutional investors.
This tightly held ownership means decisions are made based on long-term values and sustainability rather than short-term investor returns. Leadership prioritizes customer experience, ethical sourcing, employee care, and faith-based principles, which remain central to the brand’s identity.
Founder’s Legacy
Though S. Truett Cathy passed away in 2014, his influence is deeply embedded in Chick-fil-A’s leadership philosophy. His son, Dan Cathy, served as CEO before Andrew and now serves as Chairman of the Board, offering strategic counsel and continuity for the company’s mission and cultural ethos.
Chick-fil-A’s leadership remains focused on honoring Truett Cathy’s founding principles: hospitality, community service, and consistent food quality.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A achieved a significant milestone in 2023, recording systemwide sales of approximately $21.6 billion, marking a substantial increase from the previous year’s $18.8 billion. This growth trajectory continued into 2024, with projections indicating that the company’s revenue surpassed $23 billion, driven by the expansion of its restaurant network and consistent performance across its locations.
As of 2025, Chick-fil-A’s estimated net worth stands between $18 billion and $20 billion. This valuation reflects the company’s robust financial performance, strategic growth initiatives, and its position as a leading player in the U.S. fast-food industry. Despite being a privately held entity, Chick-fil-A’s market presence and profitability contribute to its substantial net worth.
Here’s an overview of Chick-fil-A’s estimated annual revenue and net worth over the past decade:
| Year | Estimated Net Revenue (in billions) | Estimated Net Worth (in billions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $5.5 | $5.5 |
| 2015 | $6.0 | $6.5 |
| 2016 | $6.5 | $7.0 |
| 2017 | $7.0 | $7.5 |
| 2018 | $7.5 | $8.0 |
| 2019 | $8.0 | $8.5 |
| 2020 | $8.5 | $9.0 |
| 2021 | $9.0 | $10.0 |
| 2022 | $9.5 | $12.0 |
| 2023 | $21.6 | $15.0 |
| 2024 | $23.0 | $18.0–$20.0 |
Brands Owned by Chick-fil-A
While Chick-fil-A is primarily known for its chicken sandwiches, the company has expanded its portfolio through partnerships, franchises, and strategic acquisitions.
Below are the key brands and initiatives owned by Chick-fil-A:
| Brand/Initiative | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A Restaurants | The primary fast-food chain, known for chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and salads. The flagship brand operates over 3,500 locations, mostly in the U.S. | Chicken-based menu, drive-thru, dine-in, private franchise model, closed on Sundays |
| Truett’s Grill | A casual dining concept named after founder Truett Cathy. Offers a broader menu including burgers, salads, and other American comfort foods, while retaining Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken. | Diner-style ambiance, menu includes burgers and fries, operates in select locations |
| Chick-fil-A Express | A compact, quick-service restaurant located in high-traffic areas such as airports and malls. Offers a more limited menu than the full Chick-fil-A restaurants. | Limited menu, located in airports, universities, and malls, quick service |
| Dwarf House | A tribute to the original Dwarf Grill opened by Truett Cathy in 1946, now offering a broader range of diner-style dishes in select locations. | Traditional American diner menu, historical significance, includes both chicken and other comfort foods |
| Chick-fil-A Catering | Provides bulk orders for events, parties, and corporate gatherings. Customers can order trays and platters of Chick-fil-A items. | Catering services for large groups, trays of chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and sides, available in select markets |
| Chick-fil-A Delivery | A partnership with third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, allowing customers to order from Chick-fil-A and have it delivered to their door. | Available in select markets, partnered with delivery platforms, contactless and convenient |
| True Inspiration Fund | Chick-fil-A’s philanthropic initiative, providing grants for education, community development, and social causes. | Supports educational programs, social causes, and community initiatives |
| Chick-fil-A Private Label Products | A line of Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces and other items sold through retail stores. | Chick-fil-A sauces like Polynesian and Chick-fil-A Sauce, available in grocery stores and online |
Chick-fil-A Restaurants
Chick-fil-A’s core brand is its chain of quick-service restaurants, specializing in chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and other chicken-based menu items. The company operates more than 3,500 locations, predominantly in the United States, with a growing presence in Canada. Each restaurant is known for its consistent quality, customer service, and adherence to Chick-fil-A’s values, including its commitment to being closed on Sundays.
These locations are primarily run through a unique franchise model, where franchisees operate the restaurants with a share of the profits. This franchise system allows the company to expand while maintaining tight control over operations, ensuring uniformity and quality.
Truett’s Grill
Truett’s Grill is a restaurant concept named after Chick-fil-A’s founder, Truett Cathy. It combines the Chick-fil-A brand’s signature chicken items with a more diverse diner-style menu, including burgers, salads, and other traditional American comfort foods. Truett’s Grill locations have a casual dining experience, offering customers a slightly different take on Chick-fil-A’s classic offerings.
Although there are only a few Truett’s Grill locations, it is an important part of the Chick-fil-A brand’s legacy, as it honors Truett Cathy’s vision of community dining. The restaurants also maintain the same customer-focused ethos that is central to Chick-fil-A’s corporate identity.
Chick-fil-A Express
Chick-fil-A Express is a smaller, more compact version of the standard Chick-fil-A restaurant, designed for locations with limited space or for higher-traffic areas such as airports, malls, or universities. These express locations offer a condensed menu compared to traditional Chick-fil-A restaurants but still focus on the signature chicken sandwiches and nuggets.
These smaller establishments aim to serve customers in a quicker, more efficient manner while upholding the same quality standards. They are often strategically placed in high-volume areas to capture on-the-go customers.
Dwarf House
The Dwarf House is a concept that represents the origins of Chick-fil-A, as Truett Cathy opened the first Dwarf Grill in 1946, which later evolved into Chick-fil-A. While not as widespread today, Dwarf House locations are a nostalgic throwback to the beginnings of the business. These locations offer a broader menu compared to Chick-fil-A restaurants, including unique items like burgers, fries, and breakfast options.
Dwarf House serves as a tribute to the company’s history and provides customers with a more extensive dining experience in comparison to regular Chick-fil-A restaurants. These locations also feature the signature chicken sandwiches, maintaining the link to the brand’s core identity.
Chick-fil-A Catering
Chick-fil-A Catering provides customers with the option to order large quantities of their favorite Chick-fil-A items for events, parties, and gatherings. This service caters to businesses, schools, and personal events, offering a variety of packaged meals, chicken platters, and catering trays.
Chick-fil-A Catering has become increasingly popular in recent years, as many customers seek convenient, high-quality catering solutions. It reflects the company’s broader goal of expanding its offerings to meet customer needs beyond standard in-store dining.
Chick-fil-A Delivery
Chick-fil-A has expanded its service offerings through partnerships with third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. The company began offering delivery options in select markets and gradually expanded it nationwide. Through these partnerships, Chick-fil-A customers can order food from their local restaurants and have it delivered directly to their homes or workplaces.
The delivery service has been integral in Chick-fil-A’s ability to adapt to the rise of online ordering and the growing demand for food delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people preferred contactless service.
Chick-fil-A’s Philanthropic Initiatives (True Inspiration Fund)
Chick-fil-A has also developed initiatives that extend beyond the restaurant business. The True Inspiration Fund is a philanthropic initiative that supports educational programs, community development, and charitable endeavors. Established by the Cathy family, this fund is part of Chick-fil-A’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on communities.
Through this initiative, Chick-fil-A invests in various charitable causes, particularly those that align with the company’s core values of service, integrity, and community enrichment. This commitment helps strengthen the brand’s relationship with its customers, who appreciate the company’s active role in supporting social causes.
Chick-fil-A’s Private Label Products
Chick-fil-A also produces a variety of private-label products, available for purchase in stores or via online marketplaces. These include sauces, dressings, and even packaged versions of some of the chain’s signature items. Chick-fil-A sauces, such as the famous Chick-fil-A Sauce and Polynesian Sauce, have become popular retail products, and customers can now purchase them in supermarkets.
This product line represents Chick-fil-A’s strategy to expand its reach and engage with customers beyond traditional restaurant visits. It allows the brand to maintain its visibility in households and further cultivate customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A is a family-owned business, with the Cathy family holding the majority of ownership. The family’s control allows the company to make decisions without the interference of external investors. This unique structure has helped Chick-fil-A grow into one of the leading fast-food chains in America while maintaining a strong focus on quality and customer service.
FAQs
Who owns Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is owned by the Cathy family, with Truett Cathy’s heirs, Dan and Bubba Cathy, holding the largest shares.
Is Chick-fil-A publicly traded?
No, Chick-fil-A is a privately held company and is not listed on the stock market.
Who controls Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is controlled by the Cathy family, with Dan Cathy serving as the current CEO and chairman.
How profitable is Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A is one of the most profitable fast-food chains, with an estimated annual revenue of over $15 billion in 2024.
What other companies are owned by Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A primarily operates through its franchise model, expanding its reach through franchisees. It has no other major companies under its control, focusing on its core business.
Who is the richest Chick-fil-A owner?
The wealthiest individual associated with Chick-fil-A is Dan Cathy, the company’s Chairman and CEO. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between $10 billion and $12 billion, primarily derived from his family’s ownership of the privately held company. Chick-fil-A’s valuation is estimated to be between $18 billion and $20 billion, with the Cathy family retaining full control.
Can Muslims eat Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A does not serve halal-certified food, and its meat is not slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws. Therefore, Muslims who strictly adhere to halal dietary requirements may choose not to eat at Chick-fil-A. However, some Muslims may opt to eat there if they are comfortable with the ingredients and preparation methods, but this is a personal decision.
Who is the CEO of Chick-fil-A?
The CEO of Chick-fil-A is Andrew Truett Cathy, who has held the position since 2021. He is the grandson of the company’s founder, Truett Cathy, and has been instrumental in expanding the brand while maintaining its core values.
Who owns Chick-fil-A Mormon?
There is no publicly available information to suggest that any Mormon individual or group owns Chick-fil-A. The company remains privately held, with ownership and control retained by the Cathy family, who are known for their Christian faith and values.