Atlanta-based quick-service giant Chick-fil-A is actively pursuing international expansion, marking another significant step in the company's growth strategy. Founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy, the family-owned and privately held company is known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality, and unique franchise model.
Chick-fil-A is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 Restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Strategic Focus
As for where the restaurants will be, Chick-fil-A is looking for “countries in Asia and Europe with stable economies, dense populations and a demand for chicken,” though they need to figure out a way to replicate their supply chain abroad.
Chick-fil-A is currently accepting expressions of interest for individuals who are interested in becoming local Chick-fil-A franchise Owners-Operators in Puerto Rico. Chick-fil-A (Asia) is currently accepting expressions of interest for individuals who are interested in becoming the first independent Chick-fil-A franchise Owner-Operator in Singapore.
Expansion in the United Kingdom
Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025 with the goal of launching five locations across the UK within the next two years. During a trip to Atlanta in early October, the U.K. Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission James Roscoe visited the Chick-fil-A headquarters during a trip to Georgia, pausing for a photo opp on the set of its “little things” commercials. The British Consulate’s Instagram page asserted that it’s a “big thing” for the Atlanta-based chain to create 400 jobs across the five planned U.K. locations.
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Massachusetts Expansion
Chick-fil-A® has broken ground on its Foxborough, Mass. restaurant, set to open in Patriot Place this fall. This marks the first step in Chick-fil-A’s growing investment in the state of Massachusetts, as the company is set to open up to seven new restaurants across the state this year, followed by five to eight more restaurants by the end of 2027.
Chick-fil-A Foxborough, located on the south side of Patriot Place, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony earlier today. In 1995, Chick-fil-A introduced its signature hospitality and delicious, fresh food to Massachusetts. Since then, the company has steadily grown its footprint to serve Guests at 19 restaurants across the state.
“Breaking ground at Chick-fil-A Foxborough marks an exciting milestone at the iconic Patriot Place that we’re commemorating through meaningful hunger relief initiatives designed to make a difference across the state,” said Elizabeth Meloy, Chick-fil-A Real Estate, Northeast Region.
Community Engagement and Impact
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. Many local Owner-Operators are honored to support Project Bread, a statewide food security organization connecting Massachusetts residents to reliable food sources. Additionally, in celebration of each new restaurant, Chick-fil-A currently donates $25,000 to Feeding America to support local chapters in the restaurant’s community. Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their Restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact.
“At Chick-fil-A, serving others and caring for our communities is at the core of who we are,” said Mingo Burgos, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Reina del Sur in Ponce.
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Chick-fil-A restaurants are dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities they serve. The Chick-fil-A franchise model empowers local Owner-Operators because most Chick-fil-A restaurants are owned and operated by a single individual, which means Chick-fil-A’s local Owner-Operators are small business owners, not passive investors.
New franchisees will have a chance to participate in the company’s Shared Table food donation program.
Industry Trends
Chick-fil-A isn’t the only brand looking toward expansion in Asia. Papa Johns made a big splash into the market back in 2022 with its biggest franchise deal ever in China. TGI Fridays signed 75 franchise agreements in 2022 to open units in South and Southeast Asia. And Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão announced it would be entering the Asian market in 2022 as well.
That’s in addition to Chick-fil-A competitors like KFC, Popeyes, and McDonald’s, which all have an international presence.
| Company | Details |
|---|---|
| Papa Johns | Made a big franchise deal in China in 2022. |
| TGI Fridays | Signed 75 franchise agreements to open units in South and Southeast Asia in 2022. |
| Fogo de ChĂŁo | Announced entry into the Asian market in 2022. |
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