Why is team member appearance and attire important at Chick-fil-A? Maintaining a spirit of hospitality, professionalism, and a food-safe environment are key goals for Chick-fil-A restaurants. The Chick-fil-A® Appearance and Attire Guidelines are designed to ensure the comfort of Chick-fil-A Restaurant Team Members while upholding these standards. As representatives of the Chick-fil-A brand, all Team Members are expected to maintain good personal hygiene and present a professional appearance during work hours, adhering to the appearance guidelines set by their local restaurant. These guidelines are applicable across all Chick-fil-A brand restaurants, including franchised, company-operated, STC Brands, and licensed locations.
It’s important to note that as independent franchisees, Operators have the autonomy to make final decisions related to appearance, including policies on facial hair, based on their business needs. Team members at Chick-fil-A, Inc.-Operated Restaurants, STC Brands concepts, and Licensed Restaurants should also consult their local restaurant’s specific appearance and attire guidelines for further details.
Guest Impressions and the Chick-fil-A Uniform
Chick-fil-A places a strong emphasis on uniforms and personal appearance as they significantly contribute to delivering outstanding guest service and fostering trust. The Chick-fil-A uniform is a critical element in creating a positive first impression. All uniform items must be sourced from the Chick-fil-A TeamStyle™ collection and must always be clean, pressed, and in good repair. A well-maintained Chick-fil-A uniform reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
Many of the appearance requirements within the Chick-fil-A uniform policy are rooted in applicable Food Code and local health department regulations. Any element that could potentially come into contact with food during preparation or serving poses a potential hazard to guests. By strictly adhering to these requirements, Team Members demonstrate respect and care for guests. For comprehensive information, please review the Grooming and Food Safety procedure.
It is crucial to comply with both Chick-fil-A’s food safety requirements and local health department regulations. In cases of discrepancies, the more stringent regulation should always be followed. To ensure a culture of food safety and maintain a consistent brand image for Chick-fil-A guests, minimum standards are in place across all Chick-fil-A restaurants regarding the Chick-fil-A uniform and appearance.
Brand Consistency and Professionalism
A professional Chick-fil-A uniform and overall appearance communicate Chick-fil-A’s dedication to customer service, quality, and cleanliness. Team Members are the face of the Chick-fil-A brand and play a vital role in fulfilling the brand promise. A professional appearance in an attractive Chick-fil-A uniform makes a strong statement about the brand’s identity. It also ensures a consistent look across all locations, strengthening brand recognition and enabling guests to easily identify Team Members.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Each local Chick-fil-A restaurant is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Appearance and Attire Guidelines in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Team Members requiring reasonable accommodation due to religion, ethnicity, disability, or other legally protected characteristics should communicate their needs to their Operator, Executive General Manager, Interim Manager, or designated Restaurant leader, as per the local restaurant’s reasonable accommodation policy.
Chick-fil-A Uniform Attire Details
Undergarments
All Team Members: Undershirt sleeves must not extend beyond the uniform shirt sleeves. TeamStyle™ offers black, long-sleeved performance T-shirts and performance sleeves as alternatives to undershirts.
Male Style: Solid white or black undershirts (without prints or graphics) are required under all shirts and chef coats.
Female Style: Undergarments should be solid, neutral colors (avoiding bright colors, patterns, graphics, or textured materials that might show through the uniform shirt or blouse). Solid white or black undershirts, camisoles, or tank tops are required under chef coats but optional otherwise. The bottom of undershirts, camisoles, or tank tops must not be visible below the uniform shirt.
Shirts
All Team Members: Polo shirts must have at least 2 buttons fastened. For other shirts, all buttons except the top button should be fastened. Approved TeamStyle vests and sweaters are available to wear over button-front shirts.
Male Style: Shirts (excluding chef coats) must be tucked in.
Female Style: Polo shirts must be tucked in. Other female shirts may be untucked at the Operator’s discretion. Maternity tops are always untucked.
Nametag
The official Chick-fil-A brand nametag must be worn at all times as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform. No other pins, buttons, stickers, or ribbons are permitted on the uniform or nametag. The nametag should be placed on the outermost garment, on the Team Member’s right chest, using nametag eyelets if present. If wearing a non-uniform apron (e.g., raw chicken or dishwashing apron), the nametag should not be placed on the apron. Nametags must display the Team Member’s first name on the first line. Operators may choose to include last names, titles, and/or years of service.
Neckwear and Accessories
Chick-fil-A Ties: At the Operator’s discretion, Chick-fil-A brand neckties may be worn with men’s long-sleeved shirts as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform. Ties must be properly knotted, securely fastened, and reach the midpoint of the belt buckle. Ties are not permitted with short-sleeved, button-front shirts or women’s shirts.
Scarves: Chick-fil-A scarves can be worn with all women’s ¾-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform.
Caps/Visors: Chick-fil-A TeamStyle caps/visors may be worn at the Operator’s discretion or to meet local Health Department requirements. Caps/visors must be clean and free of stains or discoloration. They should be worn with the bill facing forward, above the eyebrows, ensuring eyes are visible.
Pants, Skirts, and Belts
Pants: Pants must fit appropriately—not too tight or too baggy. They must be hemmed to fall at the midpoint of the heel. Cuffed pants are not acceptable as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform.
Skirts: TeamStyle skirts should be no shorter than mid-knee as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform.
Belts: Black TeamStyle belts must be trimmed so that the end does not extend below the belt line, completing the Chick-fil-A uniform look.
Footwear
Team Members must wear black, navy, or gray socks (complementing pants), TeamStyle socks, black hose, or flesh-toned hose. Shoes must be constructed of leather or non-cloth, man-made uppers with slip-resistant rubber soles (e.g., Shoes for Crews™) and feature closed heels and toes. Shoes should be solid black (or colored Shoes for Crews from the approved Chick-fil-A collection). Shoes must fit properly and laces must be tied, unless medical conditions necessitate orthopedic devices.
Role-Specific Chick-fil-A Uniform Variations
Dining Room Host/Hostess Uniforms
Team Members serving as Dining Room Hosts or Hostesses have a specific Chick-fil-A uniform which includes the standard Chick-fil-A uniform paired with a charcoal full apron, half apron, or Table Turner apron.
Back-of-House Chef Coats/Hats (Optional)
Chef coats can be worn untucked with an undershirt. All buttons should be buttoned, or the top button may be unbuttoned. Optional embroidered names can be placed on the right chest panel instead of a nametag. Chef coats are worn with matching chef hats or TeamStyle caps/visors, forming a distinct Chick-fil-A uniform for kitchen staff.
Drive-Thru and Curbside Delivery Uniform (Required)
Yellow Hi-Vis reflective safety wear with 360-degree coverage, such as a Drive-Thru Safety Strap, is mandatory for all Team Members working outside in the Drive-Thru lane or parking lot for Curbside Delivery.
Optional attire for Drive-Thru roles may include:
- Wide-brimmed Drive-Thru hat.
- Half-length charcoal apron with pockets for menus, iPads, etc.
- Shorts
Shorts and Athletic Shoes (Optional for Outdoors)
Shorts, as part of the Chick-fil-A uniform, must be from the TeamStyle collection and worn with a black TeamStyle belt and the following shoes and socks:
- Black slip-resistant shoes (e.g., Shoes for Crews) with solid black, navy, gray, or TeamStyle socks.
Team Members must change back into standard uniform pants or skirts when transitioning to indoor, non-Drive-Thru duties. Slip-resistant shoes are mandatory at all times when working inside the restaurant. Team Members scheduled exclusively for Drive-Thru cockpit or outside Drive-Thru lane duties may wear shorts to work.
Special Events (Single-Day, Limited-Time Events)
Team Members in roles not involving food and beverage handling (e.g., Dining Room Hosts/Hostesses) may wear theme-appropriate attire for special events, provided it meets the following criteria:
- All shirts, tops, and dresses must have sleeves and comply with TeamStyle uniform requirements (no shirts unbuttoned to mid-chest; no plunging necklines).
- All skirts and dresses must be knee-length.
- Slip-resistant shoes (like Shoes for Crews), nametags on outermost garments, and all grooming standards must be maintained.
- TeamStyle shorts are permitted for outside events.
- Items with jewels, fur, feathers, face paint, sweatpants, or trademarks/brand assets other than Chick-fil-A’s are prohibited.
Cow Appreciation Day Chick-fil-A Uniform
For Cow Appreciation Day, Team Members should dress from the waist up in clean, cow-spotted apparel like tucked-in shirts, Chick-fil-A Cow ties, cow vests, and cow hats. The lower half of the Chick-fil-A uniform should be TeamStyle uniform bottoms. Resources like downloadable cow spots, headbands, and signboards are available for guest use. Udders, tails, or items that could fall into guests’ food are prohibited.
Grooming and Appearance Standards for Chick-fil-A Team Members
Jewelry and General Appearance
Jewelry, including medical alert jewelry, must be modest in size to prevent food contamination. Jewelry in guest service areas should not be distracting to guests (small size, no neon colors, no attached decorations). Jewelry in visible body piercings (other than earlobes and nose) is unacceptable.
- Necklaces: Must be tucked inside clothing for safety.
- Earrings: Limited to two plain stud earrings per ear, worn only in earlobes, without decorations, gemstones, or dangling/hoop styles.
- Nose Rings: Acceptable only on one side, solid stud only, no jewels or hoops. Septum piercings are not allowed.
- Rings: Limited to a plain band without gemstones (e.g., wedding band). In food prep areas, gloves must be worn over rings to prevent contamination.
Makeup, perfume, and cologne must be subdued and applied tastefully, avoiding distraction to guests. Visible body modifications (e.g., extended earlobes, gauges/plugs, non-traditional piercings) are not acceptable. Dental modifications (e.g., decorative grills, dental tattoos) must not be visible; orthodontic braces and bands should be neutral colors.
Wristwatches and Medical Alert Bracelets
Only wristwatches and medical alert bracelets that are conservative in size and appearance, and free from decorations or gemstones, are permitted. They must not be worn in food prep areas (medical alert bracelets may be kept in pockets).
Personal Hygiene
Team Members are expected to maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance with good hygiene, including appropriate deodorant use.
Hair
Hair must comply with local Health Department requirements and be clean and professionally styled. Effective hair restraints (hair accessories, hats, visors, hair nets, Chick-fil-A chef hats) must be worn to secure loose hair, regardless of work location (inside or outside). Hair falling around the face must be tied back with accessories free of jewels or beads. Hair below shoulder length should always be tied back. Loose hair strands are unacceptable. Natural hair coloring is acceptable, while unnatural colors (e.g., pink, blue) and eccentric styles (e.g., Mohawks, shaved designs) are not permitted. False eyelashes or extensions are not allowed. Sideburns must be trimmed to the bottom of the earlobe with a consistent width.
Facial Hair
Acceptable facial hair styles for Chick-fil-A uniform standards include:
- Short, neatly groomed mustaches.
- Short, neatly groomed goatees with well-defined lines.
- Short, neatly groomed beards with defined cheek and necklines.
“Short” is defined as up to 1/2″ in length (#4 trimmer guard). “Neatly trimmed” means defined lines, e.g., beard hair ending where the jawline meets the neck, above the Adam’s apple. “Neck scruff” is unacceptable.
Unacceptable facial hair styles include undefined lines, shavings, carvings, designs, or extreme styles (chinstraps, chops, handlebar mustaches etc.).
Team Members should maintain clean lines and avoid patchy or inconsistent hair growth. While growing facial hair, guidelines must still be followed.
Fingernails
Fingernails must adhere to Food Code and local health department requirements. Fingernails should not extend beyond fingertips when viewed from the palm. False fingernails, acrylic extensions, and fingernail gems are prohibited. Fingernail polish is not allowed in food prep areas but is acceptable in guest service areas, provided colors are muted, solid, and non-distracting (e.g., hot pink, bright red, multicolored polish is not allowed).
Tattoos
If visible tattoos are permitted at a restaurant, they must not be on the face or neck. Visible tattoos must not be profane, racially offensive, sexually explicit, violent, vulgar, or offensive to Team Members or guests. Tattoos not meeting these criteria must be covered by approved TeamStyle uniform items (e.g., long-sleeved polo, performance sleeve) or waterproof makeup.
