Chick-fil-A has confirmed it will open in the UK in early 2025. The third largest quick service restaurant in the US is set to open five stores in the UK in the first two years. The business plans to invest over $100m in the next 10 years
LONDON (Sept. 14, 2023) – The third largest quick service restaurant chain in the United States1, Chick-fil-A®, has today announced its plans to launch in the UK in early 2025.
Famous for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, the company earlier this year outlined intentions to open restaurants in Europe and Asia by 2026 and five international locations by 2030. This UK expansion marks the first permanent store outside of North America.
Chick-fil-A currently has more than 2,800 restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, with the company having plans to open five, locally owned and operated restaurants in the UK in the first two years and expand across the UK.
“We are excited our restaurants will bring new jobs and opportunities throughout the UK. Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do at Chick-fil-A, and our unique local owner-operator model provides one of a kind access to entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Anita Costello Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A Inc. “We look forward to sharing our authentic Chick-fil-A experience: providing fresh food prepared with high-quality ingredients, served with our signature hospitality.”
Key facts and figures:
• Aim to open five restaurants in the UK in the first two years
• Each restaurant will create approximately 80 – 120 new jobs
• Plan to invest over $100m in the next 10 years
• Unique owner-operator model, with nearly 80% owning just one restaurant, and an investment of just $10,000
• Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members enjoy flexible work hours and competitive wages
• All chicken will be sourced from the UK & Ireland, as well as 100% free range eggs and welfare certification.
“From our earliest days, we’ve worked to positively influence the places we call home and this will be the same for our stores in the UK,” said Joanna Symonds, Head of UK Operations. “We encourage our Operators to partner with organisations which support and positively impact their local communities, delivering great food and wider benefits to those around them.”
Each time a Chick-fil-A restaurant opens globally, $25,000 is donated to a local non-profit organisation reducing incidences of hunger in communities. Additionally, through the Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table™ programme, Chick-fil-A restaurants help fight food insecurity and reduce food waste by ensuring restaurants donate surplus food to local shelters, soup kitchens and charities. Both programmes will be introduced in the UK, and work is underway to identify local organisations with which to partner.
Chick-fil-A is known for its handcrafted food made fresh in each location’s kitchen, friendly customer service and excellent hospitality. Popular menu items that will be introduced in the UK include: Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, freshly made salads, and nuggets that are hand-breaded throughout the day.
1 Based on sales per restaurant
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About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a restaurant company known for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and signature hospitality. Represented by more than 170,000 Team Members, Operators and Staff, Chick-fil-A® restaurants serve guests freshly prepared food at more than 2,800 restaurants in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada. The family-owned and privately held restaurant company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy and is committed to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate.
Known for its leadership and growth opportunities, in 2022 Chick-fil-A was named a Best Employer in America by Forbes and a top company for career opportunities for Black employees by Glassdoor. The company was also awarded the Employee’s Choice by Glassdoor honouring top CEOs and was named a Culture 500 Culture Champion in 2020. A leader in customer service, Chick-fil-A was named QSR magazine’s Drive-Thru Restaurant of the Year in 2021. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and @ChickfilANews.
Contact: US Media Hotline: (800) 404-7196
Email: cfaukpress@lexcomm.co.uk (UK); cfapressroom@chick-fil-a.com (US)
Twitter: @ChickfilANews
