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How Ashley Lamothe Became One of Chick-fil-A’s Youngest Franchise Owners: From Drive-Thru to Dream Fulfilled


Imagine starting a job at Chick-fil-A at just 15 and turning that experience into owning your very own Chick-fil-A restaurant by the age of 26. For Ashley Lamothe, this dream became a reality, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring for young people everywhere.

Success is the result of preparation meeting opportunity, and Ashley Lamothe is a shining example of this. At 15, Lamothe began working at Chick-fil-A, intending to save up for a car. However, what started as a simple part-time job quickly evolved into something much more significant. Lamothe fell in love with the brand and its values, which inspired her to keep working at Chick-fil-A while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Spelman College. During this time, she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, built meaningful relationships, and consistently met sales goals—all while balancing her academic commitments.


In 2011, just five years after graduating from Spelman, Lamothe's dedication paid off. She opened her first Chick-fil-A restaurant near the University of Southern California, making her one of the youngest Black women to own a franchise in the company’s history. Seven years later, she achieved another milestone by opening the very first Chick-fil-A in downtown Los Angeles, a bustling location that she continues to own and operate today.


Ashley's journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and self-belief. Initially, she pursued a degree in theatre, but a pivotal conversation with her Chick-fil-A operator led her to reconsider her long-term goals. Encouraged to explore her leadership potential, Ashley switched her major to economics, setting her on a new path toward business ownership. This decision was transformative, ultimately leading her to where she is now—a successful entrepreneur making a significant impact on her community.


What Ashley values most about her role as a franchise owner is the opportunity to invest in her team. She is passionate about helping her employees achieve their dreams, whether they aim to advance within Chick-fil-A or pursue other careers. Her dedication to supporting her team members reflects the same support she received on her journey, creating a cycle of growth and empowerment.

Chick-fil-A recognized Ashley's exceptional leadership and business acumen by awarding her the Symbol of Success, an honor that celebrates significant sales growth and contributions to the company. This accolade is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and the positive impact she's made on both her team and her community.


Ashley Lamothe’s story is a powerful reminder that with passion, determination, and a willingness to seize opportunities, you can turn your dreams into reality. For young dreamers everywhere, Ashley's journey shows that every job, no matter how small it seems, can be the first step toward something much bigger. So, dream big, work hard, and you, too, might find yourself making history, just like Ashley Lamothe.

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