Recently, I had a craving for some Chick-fil-A. Unfortunately, it was a Sunday, and as everyone knows, Chick-fil-A is always closed on Sundays. I won’t get into the merits of that decision, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting the business. But anyway, the whole thing prompted a discussion between me and a friend about whether Chick-fil-A franchise owners can (or do) drop in on the occasional Sunday, turn on the fryer, and enjoy a nice after-church chicken sandwich. My position was that this would be one of the primary perks of being a franchise owner: a set of keys that work on Sundays. My friend was practically aghast at the notion that a manager would violate the sacred bond of franchisor-franchisee just for some waffle fries and some fricassee. All I know is, if it were me, I would not only go in on Sundays and make my own food, but I would sit by the window so passing traffic could see me and get jealous.
So, I put myself upon the country: Am I totally out to lunch here? Would you slip in the back door and have a Sabbath sandwich? Does your answer depend on whether Chick-fil-A headquarters would approve of a manager’s Sunday luncheon? Your answer might affect how I use my life savings.