Brad Arton, Owner/Operator

College Drive
Brad Arton is a second-generation Chick-fil-A Operator whose life and leadership have been shaped by a deep-rooted family legacy and a commitment to people. Growing up, Brad was immersed in the business from an early age, working alongside his father—an Operator of nearly five decades. That experience instilled in him a strong work ethic, a passion for service, and a belief that leadership is ultimately about investing in others. Today, Brad is a husband and father of five, grounded in values of stewardship, humility, and long-term impact. He leads with a mindset of contentment without complacency—focused not on chasing growth for its own sake, but on maximizing the opportunity and responsibility he’s been given. Brad is known for his thoughtful, intentional leadership style. He believes the best leaders are those who develop others, create meaningful relationships, and build environments where people can grow both personally and professionally.
Chick-fil-A Story

Brad’s journey with Chick-fil-A began at just 12 years old, working in his father’s restaurant. From those early experiences—and even personal interactions with S. Truett Cathy—he knew this was the company he wanted to be part of for life.

At 23, Brad became an Owner/Operator of a mall location in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Despite financial challenges early on, he describes those years as some of the most fulfilling of his career—confirming his passion for the work and the people.

He later transitioned to Baton Rouge, where he led a high-performing mall location before being selected to open the Chick-fil-A College Drive freestanding restaurant. Under his leadership, the business has grown significantly, both in performance and in its impact on the community.

Brad’s journey is defined not just by growth, but by intentional timing—stepping into opportunities when he and his team were truly ready.

Vision and Values

Brad’s mission is simple, but powerful:

To foster an environment of personal and professional growth.

At Chick-fil-A College Drive, this mission shows up in a deeply intentional culture. Brad is passionate about developing people—not just for roles within the restaurant, but for life beyond it. He believes that if you invest in people personally, professional success will follow.

Located near inner-city Baton Rouge, Brad’s restaurant serves a diverse and often underserved community. Many of his team members come from challenging backgrounds, and Brad sees this as a unique opportunity to mentor, guide, and help individuals expand their vision for what’s possible.

His leadership is rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and responsibility. He is committed to building a team where people feel seen, supported, and inspired—creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the restaurant into families and the broader community.

COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO MAKE CHICK-FIL-A A CAREER OR BECOME AN OWNER/OPERATOR?
“If you want to become an Owner/Operator, you have to understand the reality of it. There are 100,000 applicants and only a small number of opportunities. What’s going to set you apart? It starts with knowing your story, doing the work, and being able to clearly communicate why you should be selected. I’ll help you, but I won’t do it for you.”
Brad Arton
Career Opportunities