Why Is Chick-fil-A Closed on Sunday? The Real Story
Quick answer
Chick-fil-A has been closed on Sundays since founder S. Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant in 1946. He wanted employees to have a day to rest, spend time with family and worship if they chose. The policy applies to every restaurant, including stadium and airport locations.
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It's the most famous rule in fast food: Chick-fil-A doesn't open on Sundays. Not for big game days, not in airports, not even at the stadium where an NFL team plays on Sundays. Here's why.
Where the policy came from
S. Truett Cathy and his brother Ben opened the Dwarf Grill (later the Dwarf House), a 24-hour diner in Hapeville, Georgia, on May 23, 1946. The restaurant closed on the very first Sunday after it opened, and it has stayed that way. His reasons, as the company has told it ever since:
- Rest: give himself and his employees a guaranteed day off.
- Family: time to spend with loved ones.
- Faith: the opportunity to worship if they chose — Cathy was a devout Christian.
When the first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall on November 24, 1967, the Sunday policy carried over — and it now covers more than 3,000 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and Singapore.
Why it still makes business sense
Closing one day a week sounds like leaving money on the table, but many analysts point out benefits:
- Hiring and retention: a guaranteed day off is a meaningful perk in the restaurant industry.
- Brand identity: "closed on Sunday" is instantly recognizable and builds anticipation for Monday.
- Strong six-day sales: Chick-fil-A is consistently reported to have among the highest average sales per restaurant of any U.S. fast-food chain, despite being open one fewer day.
Are there any exceptions?
The rule is close to absolute. Chick-fil-A locations in stadiums — including Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium — stay closed on Sundays, even during NFL games. The handful of documented exceptions were special cases, not normal business: on December 17, 2017, a restaurant at Atlanta's airport opened to feed passengers stranded by a power outage, and in January 2019 a restaurant in Mobile, Alabama, opened on a Sunday to grant a customer's birthday wish.
What it means for you
- Plan Sunday parties around Saturday pickup — catering isn't available on Sundays.
- Expect busy Saturdays — lots of people get their "fix" before the weekend break.
- App orders can't be placed for Sunday pickup.
The Sunday policy over the years
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 1946 | The Dwarf Grill closes on its first Sunday. |
| 1967 | The first Chick-fil-A (Greenbriar Mall, Atlanta) opens — closed Sundays from day one. |
| 1986 | First freestanding restaurant; the policy continues as the chain grows beyond malls. |
| 2017 | Atlanta airport restaurant opens on a Sunday to feed travelers stranded by a power outage. |
| 2019 | A Mobile, Alabama, restaurant opens on a Sunday for a customer's birthday wish. |
| 2026 | More than 3,000 restaurants in five markets — all closed on Sundays. |
Does closing on Sunday hurt sales?
It's a reasonable question, since Sunday is a big day for restaurants. Chick-fil-A is private, so it doesn't publish detailed financials, but reported figures show its systemwide sales grew from about $2 billion in 2006 to roughly $22 billion in 2024 — while staying closed every Sunday. Many observers argue the policy actually helps, by giving team members a guaranteed day off and creating a sense of scarcity that drives Saturday and Monday traffic.
Sunday tips for Chick-fil-A fans
- Plan catering for Saturday pickup and refrigerate cold trays overnight.
- Grab a gallon of tea or lemonade on Saturday — it keeps in the fridge.
- Keep bottled sauces at home. Chick-fil-A Sauce and Polynesian are sold in many grocery stores.
- Order ahead for Monday — the app lets you schedule a pickup for when the restaurant opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chick-fil-A closed on Sundays?
Founder S. Truett Cathy decided in 1946 that his first restaurant would close on Sundays so employees could rest, be with family and worship if they chose. The company has kept the policy ever since.
Has Chick-fil-A ever opened on a Sunday?
Only in rare special cases — for example, feeding stranded travelers at Atlanta's airport during a 2017 power outage. Regular business never happens on Sundays.
Are Chick-fil-A stadium locations open on Sunday?
No. Chick-fil-A stands in stadiums, including Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, stay closed on Sundays.
Is every Chick-fil-A closed on Sunday?
Yes, the policy applies to all Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Will Chick-fil-A ever open on Sundays?
The company has kept the policy for nearly 80 years and has consistently said it plans to continue.
Sources
- Founding dates and Sunday policy: FOX 5 Atlanta — The history of Chick-fil-A
- Sunday exceptions, stadium policy and holiday closures: Wikipedia — Chick-fil-A
- Restaurant count and countries: Chick-fil-A press room, 2026