Chick-fil-A, the third-largest quick-service restaurant chain in the United States, is poised to make a splash across the pond. Venturing beyond North America for the first time, the brand is setting its sights on the United Kingdom for its next major expansion. With more than 3,000 thriving locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, Chick-fil-A aims to replicate its success in major U.K. cities by bringing its community-focused approach and delicious menu to British customers. Here’s everything you need to know about Chick-fil-A’s highly anticipated international move.
Chick-fil-A Will Invest $100M in the U.K.
Chick-fil-A is making a long-term commitment to the U.K. with plans to invest over $100 million in the next decade. In the first two years, the company is set to open five new locations in Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and London, which will be a mix of licensed and franchised restaurants. This initial U.K. expansion is expected to create approximately 400 new jobs, boosting local employment.
“Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to bringing Chick-fil-A’s delicious food and signature hospitality to Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and London, and continuing our long-term investment in the U.K.,” said Anita Costello, Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A, in a statement. “From job creation to supporting local causes, we are excited about the positive impact our first restaurants will have in the communities they serve.”
British customers can look forward to enjoying Chick-fil-A’s signature offerings, including the iconic Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, freshly made salads, and hand-breaded nuggets. In line with its commitment to quality and sustainability, the chain plans to source chicken from U.K. farms and use 100% free-range eggs with welfare certification, ensuring fresh, ethically sourced ingredients for its customers.
Chick-fil-A Commits to Fighting Hunger in the U.K.
As part of its ongoing mission to combat hunger, Chick-fil-A will donate £25,000 to a local non-profit organization for every new restaurant it opens in the U.K. This charitable tradition, aimed at strengthening local communities, will be a key feature of all U.K. locations as part of the brand’s expansion.
In addition, each Chick-fil-A restaurant in the U.K. will participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, an initiative designed to redirect surplus food from its restaurants to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, and non-profit organizations. Last year alone, this program helped generate over 7 million meals from surplus food donated by participating Chick-fil-A restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. The program will now be rolled out across the U.K., furthering the brand’s commitment to fighting food insecurity.
Chick-fil-A Empowers Local Entrepreneurs in the U.K.
Chick-fil-A’s U.K. expansion will be driven by local, independent owner-operators, who will be deeply involved in both the day-to-day operations and the communities they serve. Unlike passive investors, these small business owners will oversee every aspect of their restaurants, from hiring and developing their teams to building relationships with guests and local organizations. Their goal is to ensure each Chick-fil-A location not only delivers great food and service but also makes a positive impact on its surrounding community.
“We’ve always cared about the impact of our restaurants on the local communities that we serve, and we strive to positively impact areas throughout the U.K.,” said Joanna Symonds, Chick-fil-A’s Head of U.K. Operations, in a statement. “Caring for people, while delivering great food, is at the heart of our brand, and we encourage our local Owner-Operators to partner with organizations which support their local communities.”
Interested in becoming a Chick-fil-A owner-operator? Learn more about this opportunity and submit your application here.
Additionally, Chick-fil-A is offering licensing opportunities for food service providers in university campuses, airports, healthcare facilities, and business and industry venues.