Chick-fil-A keeps winning big while quietly increasing prices

Many Americans remember when fast-food chains offered $1 burgers and 50-cent drinks; however, those days are long gone. Today, grabbing a quick meal can feel more like a splurge, with customers often shocked by the high total on their receipts.

Fast-food was once the most affordable type of meal one could get, an attractive factor that helped chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's rise to fame. But in recent years, prices have climbed so high that some fast-food combo meals now rival the cost of casual sit-down restaurant dishes.

Prices for food at home rose 2.6% in the 12 months ended September 2025, while prices for food away from home increased 3.7%, according to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Higher grocery bills and restaurant costs are forcing more Americans to make tough choices. A Credit Karma survey found that 27% of consumers have skipped meals to save money.

Still, despite soaring prices across the industry, one chain continues to defy all odds, with its loyal customers practically begging for the opportunity to spend their money on its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.

For the 11th consecutive year, Chick-fil-A has been named the top quick-service restaurant, earning a steady score of 83 in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant and Food Delivery Study.

Chick-fil-A raises food prices

If it feels like fast-food prices have skyrocketed in recent years, it's because they have, and there's data to support this claim.

Fast-food menu prices in the sector increased between 39% and 100% from 2014 to 2024, outpacing the national inflation rate of 33% during the same period, according to Finance Buzz.

The prices at Chick-fil-A, Arby's, Burger King, and Wendy's (WEN) have all climbed about 55% over the past decade, which seems like a small rise compared to McDonald's (MCD), whose prices have surged by 100% since 2014, according to the FinanceBuzz data.

More Chick-Fil-A:

• Chick-fil-A launches a new drinks-based restaurant brand
• Chick-fil-A unveils first-ever innovation to accelerate global growth
• Chick-fil-A is making a major change to 425 restaurants nationwide

These increases are largely driven by rising food, labor, and operational costs, pressures that analysts expect to continue.

"There were increased commodity costs. We've seen those start to normalize," said Stephens analyst Jim Salera to CNBC. "But what continues to be ahead of historical averages is the increase in labor costs that restaurants are seeing."

Chick-fil-A sales keep growing despite higher prices

Even with prices more than doubling since 2014, Chick-fil-A's popularity shows no signs of slowing.

The chain generated over $9 billion in total revenue in 2024, representing a nearly 14% increase from the previous year, and achieved $22.7 billion in system-wide sales, which have been steadily rising year-over-year.

Chick-fil-A total yearly sales 

• 2024: $22.7 billion
• 2023: $21.6 billion
• 2022: $18.8 billion
• 2021: $16.7 billion
• 2020: $13.7 billion
• 2019: $12.2 billion
  Source: QSR Magazine

"Chick-fil-A undeniably boasts one of the best fast-food concepts in the world," Franchise Sidekick Founder & CEO Ryan Zink told Entrepreneur. "It has mastered the art of focus, quality and customer service."

However, Zink noted that the chain's franchise model offers limited exit value and growth potential compared to other opportunities, something aspiring franchisees should consider.

"While Chick-fil-A may be a dream come true for some fortunate individuals, it may not align with the aspirations of those seeking scalable and long-term franchise investments," Zink added.

Chick-fil-A's expansion plans

Known for its commitment to local communities and slow, deliberate growth, Chick-fil-A is now broadening its horizons nearly 60 years after its founding in 1967.

Chick-fil-A restaurant breakdown

• Total restaurants: 3,109
  Company-owned restaurants: 55 Franchised restaurants: 2,629 Licensed restaurants: 425 Source: Chick-fil-A Franchise Disclosure Document

Recently, the chain has begun expanding internationally after years of operating exclusively in North America. In 2025, it opened its first two overseas restaurants, including one in Leeds, England, and another set to debut in mid-December in Singapore.

"Chick-fil-A only has 3,000 locations nationwide, a relatively small number compared to other fast food chains, which is arguably one of its greatest assets," said Tasting Table Food and Culture Journalist Brian Udall. "People are willing to go out of their way to travel to the nearest Chick-fil-A because the food is so good, and capitalizing on that market demand through lower overhead costs is no small part of how Chick-fil-A has become the third most successful fast food chain in the country."

Related: This iconic breakfast chain quietly nearly doubles some prices