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Is There a Black-Owned Chick-fil-A? Meet the Trailblazers Making History

If you have ever wondered, "Is there a Black-owned Chick-fil-A?" you are not alone. It is one of the most searched questions about Black business ownership in America — and the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, there are several Black men and women who have worked their way into the franchise system and are now running thriving Chick-fil-A locations across the country. Their stories are inspiring, and their restaurants are very real. This article will introduce you to the Black Chick-fil-A operators you should know — and show you why their success matters far beyond the drive-thru.

Why People Are Asking This Question

Chick-fil-A is one of the most successful fast food chains in the United States. It serves millions of customers every week. But like most large franchise systems, the path to ownership is not easy. Chick-fil-A receives more than 40,000 applications each year and only selects about 100 new operators. That is a less than 1% acceptance rate — tougher than getting into most Ivy League schools. Because the restaurant industry has historically been difficult for Black entrepreneurs to break into, many people assume it is impossible for a Black person to own a Chick-fil-A. But impossible is not the right word. Challenging? Yes. Rare? Absolutely. But real? One hundred percent.

The good news is that Black operators have not only cracked the Chick-fil-A code — they have made history doing it. And their stories are exactly the kind of win that the SupportBlackOwned.com directory was built to celebrate and amplify.

Sereena Quick — The First Black Woman to Own Chick-fil-A in Three States

Sereena Quick grew up in public housing in North Philadelphia. She was raised in a single-parent home and faced real challenges from a young age. But she did not let those obstacles define her future. After years working as a federal probation officer, her path took a surprising turn when she was introduced to a Chick-fil-A franchise owner in California who inspired her to think differently about her career.

Quick went to work in the franchise system, learning everything she could. In just three years, she went from executive director at a Chick-fil-A in Malvern, Pennsylvania to owning her own location. In November 2022, she opened Chick-fil-A 4040 City Ave in West Philadelphia — making history as the first Black woman to own a Chick-fil-A franchise in Pennsylvania. She has since expanded to New Jersey and Delaware, becoming the first Black woman to hold franchises in three states.

"I am passionate about creating long-term positive change in my community," Quick said at her grand opening. The restaurant created over 100 jobs and launched a program providing free meals to 120 local heroes for a full year.

Amber Thomas — San Diego County's First Black Chick-fil-A Owner

Amber Thomas started working at Chick-fil-A when she was just 17 years old. She had no plans to stay long — she was studying kinesiology and dreamed of becoming a physical therapist in the military. But something changed. She fell in love with the people side of the business and the possibility of ownership.

After more than a decade moving through nearly every role in the company, Thomas was selected as the franchised owner and operator of the first Chick-fil-A in Spring Valley, a community she has called home for years. She opened Chick-fil-A Spring Valley in July 2022, becoming the first and only Black Chick-fil-A operator in San Diego County.

"The sense of community in Spring Valley and just the support that I have had has been unmatched," Thomas said. Her restaurant employs about 140 people and serves roughly 35,000 orders every week. Thomas has been open about her desire to own additional Chick-fil-A locations — making her one to watch in the years ahead.

Ashley Lamothe — The Youngest Black Franchise Owner in Chick-fil-A History

Ashley Lamothe's story reads like something out of a movie. She started working at a Chick-fil-A near Atlanta at age 15, just to save money for her first car. She liked the job so much that she kept working through her years at Spelman College, one of the country's most respected historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). A mentor inside the company pulled her aside and told her she had the potential to become an owner. She changed her college major to economics and set her sights on a new goal.

In 2011, at just 26 years old, Lamothe became one of the youngest franchise owners in Chick-fil-A history. She relocated to Los Angeles to open the restaurant at the University of Southern California, and then in 2018 she opened the very first Chick-fil-A in Downtown Los Angeles — a buzzy, two-story location known as

Chick-fil-A 7th & Fig, located at 660 South Figueroa Street. Lamothe was later recognized on The Root 100, a list honoring African Americans breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.

"I want to help my team get to where they want to go," Lamothe has said. "Whether it's a career with Chick-fil-A, or studying law or medicine — I want to help them make that next step."

Kevin Young — From the U.S. Navy to the Heart of New York City

Kevin Young's resume reads like the kind of background you would expect from a Navy admiral, not a chicken sandwich operator. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001, served as a nuclear engineer on submarines, and went on to hold positions at Goldman Sachs, Procter & Gamble, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — where he managed the country's largest currency processing operation.

Despite all of that, Young found his way to Chick-fil-A through passion and persistence. He studied the franchise model, shadowed other operators, and earned his MBA. In 2018, he officially became the operator of

Chick-fil-A 918 8th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan — the fifth Chick-fil-A in New York City at the time. He later became the operator of the brand's first restaurant in Harlem, at 216 West 125th Street, bringing the beloved chain to one of Black America's most iconic neighborhoods.

"My family and I are honored to be opening a Chick-fil-A restaurant in New York City," Young said. "My team and I are going to make sure our guests get a food experience here that they can't get anywhere else."

What Makes Chick-fil-A's Franchise Model Different

One reason these operators were able to break in is Chick-fil-A's unique franchise model. Unlike most fast food chains, Chick-fil-A only requires a $10,000 initial investment from franchisees. The company covers the cost of building and equipping the restaurant — which can run into the millions. In exchange, operators must be fully committed and hands-on in their stores. They cannot own multiple chains at once or treat it as a passive investment. Chick-fil-A wants its operators in the building, serving guests, coaching team members, and building community ties.

This model creates a different kind of franchisee — one who is invested in people, not just profit. It also makes the application process intensely personal. Chick-fil-A evaluates candidates on leadership, values, community commitment, and business skills. That rigorous standard has worked in favor of many Black candidates who bring those qualities in abundance — as the operators featured in this article clearly demonstrate. If you want to find more Black-owned restaurants and businesses near you, the SBO restaurant directory is a great place to start.

Why Representation in Fast Food Ownership Matters

When a Black operator opens a Chick-fil-A in their community, it is about much more than chicken sandwiches. It is about jobs. Economic investment. Role models. Every single operator in this article has talked about wanting to create opportunity for the people around them — whether that is 100 jobs in Philadelphia, 140 in Spring Valley, or 115 in Harlem.

It is also about visibility. When a young Black girl or boy walks into a Chick-fil-A and sees someone who looks like them behind the register — or better yet, behind the operation — something shifts. That is exactly what Sereena Quick described when she said, "The young Black boys and girls in our community, who are going to one day look at me — or even at this opportunity — and say, 'I too can do this.'"

Supporting Black-owned franchise locations matters. It builds generational wealth in communities that have been historically underfunded. It keeps dollars circulating in Black neighborhoods. And it proves, again and again, that Black entrepreneurs have the talent, discipline, and vision to compete at the highest levels — even inside the country's most selective franchise systems. You can explore thousands of Black-owned businesses across every industry through the SmartBoost editorial program at SupportBlackOwned.com, which highlights businesses like these every week.

The Answer Is Yes — and the Story Is Just Getting Started

The next time someone asks, "Is there a Black-owned Chick-fil-A?" you will have a full, real, inspiring answer. Sereena Quick in Philadelphia. Amber Thomas in Spring Valley. Ashley Lamothe in Downtown Los Angeles. Kevin Young in Harlem. These are not exceptions or flukes — they are proof of what happens when talented people are given access, mentorship, and opportunity.

The list of Black Chick-fil-A operators is growing. And the larger story of Black franchise ownership, Black entrepreneurship, and Black economic empowerment is one worth celebrating and supporting every single day. If you want to find, support, and amplify Black-owned businesses near you — restaurants and beyond — visit SupportBlackOwned.com and discover what Black business excellence looks like in your own backyard.