Chick-fil-A is set to make its debut in the United Kingdom, announcing plans to open five new restaurant locations in major cities including London, Liverpool, Leeds, and Belfast. This expansion marks the chain’s first significant move outside North America and is part of a broader strategy to invest over $100 million in the U.K. over the next decade.
The fast-food giant, which ranks as the third-largest in the U.S., aims to establish its presence by early 2025. Each of the new restaurants will be locally owned and operated, ensuring that community members manage day-to-day operations. To celebrate each opening, Chick-fil-A will donate £25,000 (approximately $32,600) to local nonprofit organizations.
Chick-fil-A is committed to community engagement through its Shared Table program, which redistributes surplus food to local shelters and food banks. Last year, this initiative helped provide over 7 million meals across North America.
Joanna Symonds, head of U.K. operations, emphasized the company’s dedication to positively impacting local communities.
“Caring for people while delivering great food is at the heart of our brand,” she stated. The expansion is expected to create around 400 jobs across the new locations.
The restaurants will feature menu staples like the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and salads, with all chicken sourced from U.K. suppliers and eggs labeled as free-range.
Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, expressed excitement about bringing their signature hospitality and quality food to the U.K., reinforcing their commitment to long-term investment in the region.
This expansion follows previous attempts by Chick-fil-A to enter European markets, including a short-lived pop-up in London in 2019. The company is now optimistic about its prospects in the U.K., where demand for chicken-based dining continues to grow.
Related topics:
- Taco Bell Reintroduces The Double Decker Taco After Its 2019 Discontinuation
- McDonald’s Announces Collaboration with Popular Breakfast Brand
- McDonald’s (MCD) Outperforms Market: Essential Insights