Berenstain Bears try to keep distance from Chick-fil-A

[unapatriciated]

Chick-fil-A replaced the Muppet toys with Berenstain Bears books, but the Berenstain family doesn’t appear thrilled to be associated with Chick-fil-A either. A statement on the company web site said the books’ publisher, HarperCollins, has been working on this marketing project for more than a year.
Gay Rights Advocates Protest Chick-fil-A Food Truck
“The Berenstain family does not at this time have control over whether this program proceeds or not,” the statement said. “We hope those concerned about this issue will direct their comments toward HarperCollins and Chick-fil-A.”

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/30/13037988-berenstain-bears-try-to-keep-distance-from-chick-fil-a?lite

[hlthe2b]

1. I join in the Chick-fil-A boycot--for multiple reasons... But I have to admit feeling badly about

some of the local franchised stores. It is just shitty that the bigotry of the founding family has been made corporate policy--thereby tarnishing all the way down the line--even the local shops that are privately owned/run and who likely include many who are as angry as we are.

[unapatriciated]

2. Don't feel too bad.

I live in Atlanta and have known two individuals who are in management, one is an owner. The other was recently promoted from local management to coportate. Like the company owner they have the same belieft system. I have met many of Christian Right since my move to Atlanta, they seem like nice people until you mention anything against their beliefs.

[hlthe2b]

3. Not surprised in the South... but I'm not sure that's the case in Denver and Ft. Collins

Colorado Springs, yes, no doubt.

[unapatriciated]

4. corporate is very involved when it comes to their franchises.

Who owns them and manages them, no matter where located.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Chick Fil A stores are all owned by the company. Top store person is an 'operator' who is not

a partner, not an owner, holds no share of the business. The person who told you they 'own' such a store was gilding the lily to the extreme.
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Careers-Franchise-Opportunity

[unapatriciated]

8. It was six years ago when I met that person, so I could have misunderstood.

It was his wife that introduced us. She told me about their policies and practices regarding religion, because of that conversation I have never eaten at Chick-fil-A. They were polite, but bigoted and fundy in their views.

[Bluenorthwest]

10. From the ethics I see out of that company, I am sure they claim they are 'owners' although

they are not. Average operator makes good money, about 190K. Of course, a franchise owner of a real franchise can make as much as they can generate, millions even, many do.
The Chick Fil A model is unique and designed to find management that is of their mindset without breaking laws in some areas. Gussied up managers, who paid a small fee after they pass the corporate testing. They weed out those they hate, take a few grand from their fellow haters, and that's how they hire store runners without the danger of employing 'one of them'.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. None of their stores are owned by those who operate the franchise

Chick Fil A Company owns 100% of their locations, unlike all other franchise food chains the 'operators' at Chick Fil A do not hold an equity share of any kind in the business. A Chick Fil A 'operator' (that is their own term) pays a fee of 5,000 and is placed at a location chosen and developed by Corporate. Other franchises cost around 2 million to start up, as those franchisees are actual owners, making an investment. The Chick Fil A website is very clear, no equity stake and if you are looking for an investment, this is not an investment.
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Company/Careers-Franchise-Opportunity

[unapatriciated]

7. I was just going to post something similar.

Last edited Tue Jul 31, 2012, 09:15 AM - Edit history (1)

Chick-fil-A requires an initial financial commitment of $5,000 from franchisees, who are chosen based on how they fit with the moral, ethical and religious beliefs of the company's owners. Getting approval to open a Chick-fil-A depends largely on how well you conform to the ethos of the company.

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/approved-open-chickfila-11450.html

edited to add link:

http://www.franchisedirect.com/foodfranchises/chick-fil-a-franchise-07431/ufoc/

Initial Investment:

Name of Fee Low High
Initial Fee $5,000 $5,000
Opening inventory $23,000 $52,100
First month's rental of equipment $750 $750
First month's lease/sublease of premises $2,000 $33,500
First month's insurance expense $140 $3,600
Additional funds $249,835 $719,700
Total Estimated Initial Investment $280,725 $814,650


Ongoing fees

Name of Fee Amount
Operating service charges 15% of gross sales & 50% of net profit per month
Advertising None
Accounting $60 per month
Rent $2,000 - $33,500
Insurance $140 - $3,600
Monthly equipment rental $750
Hardware and software support; high speed Internet access $500 - $4,000
Credit card fees and related processing fees Varies
Highway signage Varies

[Bluenorthwest]

9. KFC will cost about 2 million to buy in and build, actual ownership

Chick Fil A has had folks here this week spouting off about the 'owner operators' when there are none.