Chick-fil-A CEO Confirms Sunday Closures Are Non-Negotiable
Andrew Cathy states the company's policy, rooted in its Christian faith and employee well-being, will not change.
Chick-fil-A's long-standing policy of closing all restaurants on Sundays will not be altered, according to CEO Andrew Cathy. He emphasized that the practice is integral to the company's identity and operations and is not up for consideration.
"It's just too important for us," Cathy said in an interview with NBC's "Today" co-anchor Craig Melvin. He noted that the tradition dates back to the chain's founding in 1946, when many businesses were closed on Sundays to allow employees time for rest, religious observance, or personal time.
Cathy, who has led Chick-fil-A for the past five years, stated that he has never calculated potential lost revenue from being closed on Sundays, as it is not a scenario the company entertains. He highlighted the advantages of being a private, family-owned business, which allows for decisions that prioritize values over maximizing sales.
Despite operating six days a week, Chick-fil-A has demonstrated significant financial success. In 2025, the chain reported an average annual sales volume of $9,161,239 per restaurant, outperforming several major competitors. The company also receives approximately 150,000 franchise applications annually, and in 2025, it expanded to 2,863 locations nationwide.
Employees reportedly value the guaranteed day off each week. "It was very common back in the 1940s that a lot of places were closed on Sunday," Cathy explained. "And so they wanted to do that. They wanted to have a chance to take a break … go to church, and for others just to take some rest."
The company's corporate purpose, as stated by Cathy, is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that’s entrusted to us, and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." This guiding principle, influenced by the Cathy family's Christian faith, underpins many of the company's practices, including the Sunday closure.
While the Sunday policy remains fixed, other aspects of the business are evolving. Chick-fil-A recently introduced its first new sauce in ten years, the Spicy Chick-fil-A Sauce, available to customers starting November 16.