Chick-fil-A Will Stay Closed on Sundays, the 80-Year Rule Will Not Change: CEO

The popular US fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has been closed every Sunday since its founding. The company's chief executive officer (CEO), Andrew Cathy, has stated clearly that there is no plan to change that policy.

The chain has kept its restaurants closed on Sundays since its founding in 1946. In an interview given to co-host Craig Melvin on NBC's 'Today' programme, Cathy said that at that time many places used to stay closed on Sundays, and the company also decided to stay open 24 hours a day, six days a week.

Cathy said the founders wanted employees to get a break - some could go to church, others could simply rest. Employees also like this policy, because they know one day off a week is guaranteed for them.

The most discussed question is - how much revenue is Chick-fil-A losing by staying closed on Sundays? The answer from Cathy, who has been CEO for the past five years, is surprising: he has never made that calculation. In his words, 'Honestly, I have never calculated it, because this is not something we are considering. It is very important to us.'

Cathy believes that, being a private family business, the company can decide to hold on to its own values instead of maximising sales - that is their advantage.

Statistics, however, say that even staying open six days, Chick-fil-A is not behind in business. In 2025, the company's average annual sales per outlet were $9,161,239, which surpassed several big fast-food chains including Wendy's and Burger King.

Competition to get the company's franchise is also fierce. Cathy said on the 'Today' programme that around 150,000 franchise applications are submitted every year. According to QSR Magazine, in 2025 Chick-fil-A opened 179 new franchise and company-operated outlets; the total number of outlets stood at 2,863.

The recipe for the company's classic chicken sandwich has remained the same since 1967; it was created by founder S. Truett Cathy. The Cathy family's Christian faith has long played a role in setting the company's policies.

The CEO said their corporate purpose itself is to glorify God - by being faithful stewards of all that has been entrusted to their hands, and by positively influencing all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A. He described the policy of staying closed on Sundays as part of that foundation.

But it is not that the company is unchangeable in every respect. Changes are coming to the menu - the chain recently announced the first new sauce in ten years. From 16 November, guests will be able to order the 'Spicy Chick-fil-A Sauce' - but not on Sundays.

Meanwhile, there is also discussion about a proposed bill in the New York State Assembly, which, if passed, could force some Chick-fil-A outlets to open on Sundays. But for now the company's official policy is one - Sunday means closed.