Lovett Young, Owner/Operator
WAYCROSS
Lovett Young was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating from Georgia Tech in 1999 with a degree in Business Management. He developed a strong work ethic along the way and took each leadership role as an opportunity to learn and grow before becoming a franchisee. He and his wife, Lisa, work alongside each other to challenge and coach their leaders while focusing on expanding the business and impacting the community around them.
Outside of his professional career, Lovett is a dedicated ultra-marathon runner, a passion that reflects his relentless pursuit of endurance and perseverance. He enjoys reading in his free time and his favorite menu item is the Cobb salad with grilled nuggets!
Career Highlights
1999
2002
2008
2011
2023
2024
Chick-fil-A Story
Lovett’s Chick-fil-A journey began during his senior year of college when one of his peers mentioned pursuing ownership with Chick-fil-A. This conversation intrigued Lovett and started him on the challenging path of discovering what this entrepreneurial journey would entail. He met with a Recruiter for Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators at the time, and after a rigorous interview process, Lovett was selected for a Management Development Program (now Corporate’s 2022Leadership Development Program) and worked under his Operator, Todd, as a General Manager in Richmond, Virginia.
He has built high-performing teams over the years while achieving multiple awards along the way and continually dedicating himself to personal growth. The Waycross team describes Lovett and Lisa’s leadership as wise, passionate, and supportive.
Vision and Values
Lovett’s mission is to inspire and develop the next generation of leaders by creating a culture of hard work, integrity, and personal growth. He is passionate about mentoring young leaders and actively engages in local education initiatives.
Recently, Lovett and his Leadership Coach, Eddie Taylor, guest-taught at Ware County High School’s Business and Computer Science classes, where they shared their experiences and insights to help students develop leadership skills and business acumen. His commitment to giving back and shaping future leaders extends beyond his restaurant, as he continuously seeks opportunities to invest in people, teams, 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?
“Success in Chick-fil-A, and in life, is about persistence and goal-setting. The journey isn’t just about running a business—it’s about developing yourself, investing in people, and always striving for excellence. If you want to become an Operator, commit to learning, growing, and serving with passion. The opportunities will follow.”
-Lovett Young
