In his book How Did You Do It, Truett?, Truett Cathy explains that closing Chick-fil-A on Sundays was a deliberate, values-driven decision, not a business accident.
Truett Cathy’s stated reasons for closing on Sundays
1. Honoring God
Truett was a devout Christian and believed Sunday was a day set apart for worship.
He wrote that he wanted to honor God above profit, trusting that obedience mattered more than revenue.
In essence, he believed that if he put God first, the business would be taken care of.
2. Rest for employees
Yes, rest was a major reason.
He wanted every employee, from operators to hourly staff, to have:
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One guaranteed day off every week
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Time for rest, family, worship, and renewal
This was especially uncommon in the restaurant industry, which often requires weekend labor.
3. Long-term health over short-term gain
Truett acknowledged that Sunday was a high-revenue day for restaurants, but he believed:
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Burnout destroys excellence
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Rest sustains quality, morale, and culture
He often emphasized that people come before profits.
4. A clear corporate identity
Closing on Sundays became a cultural marker:
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It set Chick-fil-A apart
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It communicated that the company was values-led
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It attracted operators and employees who aligned with those values
Interestingly, he noted that this clarity actually strengthened loyalty and performance during the other six days.
Truett’s underlying philosophy (from the book)
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Success is stewardship, not ownership
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Obedience invites blessing
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Discipline and restraint create longevity
He did not frame Sunday closure as a sacrifice, but as a conviction.
Bottom line
Yes, they wanted to rest, but more deeply:
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It was about faith
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people
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principle over profit
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and trusting God with what was “lost”
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