Chick-fil-A, the beloved American fast-food giant, is gearing up for a major leap overseas, introducing its famous chicken sandwiches and signature hospitality to new audiences abroad. In 2025, the company will open its first permanent restaurants in the United Kingdom and Singapore—an ambitious step that could redefine how international fans enjoy their favorite chicken.
Chick-fil-A taps community roots for UK and Singapore debut
Chick-fil-A’s European and Asia debut will be driven by local leadership, with each new restaurant entrusted to Owner-Operators who have deep roots in their communities. In the U.K., London native Mike Hoy will lead the company’s first location in Leeds, while in Singapore, Chyn Koh will become the brand’s first Asian Owner-Operator, bringing his extensive industry experience and bilingual skills to the role.
The move represents more than expansion—it’s an investment in people and places. Over the next decade, Chick-fil-A has committed $100 million in the U.K. and $75 million in Singapore, with each restaurant creating 70 to 120 local jobs and strengthening community ties.
“Expanding in both Europe and Asia is a meaningful milestone for Chick-fil-A,” said Andrew T. Cathy, chief executive officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc. “The investments we’re making in the U.K. and Singapore not only present opportunities for our business, but are also a chance for us to bring what makes Chick-fil-A special to new places – great food and remarkable hospitality, our unique franchise model and the positive impact we have in communities.”
That community impact is central to the company’s plans. As part of Chick-fil-A’s ongoing mission to help combat hunger, each restaurant opening in the U.K. and Singapore will be marked by a $25,000 donation to local nonprofit organizations. In addition, both restaurants will have the opportunity to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, which redirects surplus food to community partners—a program that has already helped provide more than 35 million meals worldwide.
The local owner-operator model that sets Chick-fil-A apart
At the heart of Chick-fil-A’s international strategy is its local Owner-Operator model, a cornerstone of the company’s culture and success. Unlike traditional franchises run by passive investors, Chick-fil-A restaurants are led by small, independent business owners who are deeply committed to their teams and communities. Each restaurant is entrusted to a single individual carefully selected for their leadership qualities, passion for service, and ability to create meaningful impact. Most Owner-Operators manage only one location, allowing them to remain fully engaged in the day-to-day operations.
This model not only ensures the company’s well-known reputation for quality food and warm hospitality but also extends opportunities for growth to restaurant Team Members. New hires in Europe and Asia will gain access to the same programs enjoyed in the U.S. and Canada, including leadership development and the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship program, which helps employees pursue higher education. In 2025 alone, the company awarded $27 million in scholarships to more than 15,000 Team Members, underscoring its commitment to upward mobility.