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Since its founding in 1946, fast food chain Chick-fil-A has remained closed on Sundays, and according to CEO Andrew Cathy, that policy won’t change anytime soon.
“So it was open 24 hours a day, six days a week, and it was very common in the 1940s that a lot of places were closed on Sundays,” Cathy told NBC’s “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin in an interview.
“And so they wanted to do that. They wanted a chance to take a break… go to church, and for others to just rest.”
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He noted that employees seem to like the policy and like knowing they are guaranteed a day off each week.
Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy said he never calculated how much money the chain could lose by remaining closed on Sundays. (By Griffin/Getty Images)
Cathy, who has been CEO of Chick-fil-A for five years, said he never considered how much revenue the chain could lose by remaining closed on Sundays.
“And that’s to be honest with you. I’ve never done it because it’s never something that we entertain. It’s just too important to us,” he said.
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He emphasized that it is an advantage of being a private and family business to be able to choose to continue implementing a policy that does not maximize sales.
However, with an average annual sales volume of $9,161,239 in 2025, Chick-fil-A has outperformed several major fast food chains, including Wendy’s and Burger King, despite being open six days a week.
The fast food chain has long been notable for closing all of its restaurants on Sundays, a policy the CEO says will lead nowhere. (iStock)
The company receives about 150,000 franchise applications each year, Cathy told “Today.”
Chick-fil-A opened 179 franchises and company-operated outlets in 2025, according to QSR Magazine, reaching a total of 2,863 locations.
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The fast food chain has used the same recipe for its classic chicken sandwich since 1967, when it was created by founder S. Truett Cathy.
The Cathy family’s Christian faith has long played a role in Chick-fil-A’s practices.
Cathy said employees appreciate knowing they will have a day off each week due to Chick-fil-A being closed on Sundays. (Élie Nouvelage/Getty Images)
“It is our anchor in the sense of what our corporate purpose states, which is that we have a mission to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to be a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A,” Cathy said.
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While some aspects of the business are unlikely to change, some areas, like the menu, are currently evolving.
The chain recently announced the release of a new sauce, the first in 10 years.
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Starting November 16, customers will be able to order Chick-fil-A hot sauce to accompany their meal, but still not on Sundays.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Chick-fil-A for comment.
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