Chick-fil-A UK: Locations, Menu, Jobs & Controversy

Chick-fil-A is coming to the UK, and it’s not just a story. Chick-fil-A is the American fast food restaurant chain best known for the crispy chicken sandwich, waffle fries with butter, and signature lemonade, which is expected to enter the Chick-fil-A UK market with confirmed plans for its first locations in London, Leeds, Liverpool, and Belfast by early 2025, and more than $100 million already paid in capital commitments.

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This expansion is a part of a billion-dollar international growth strategy for the company and is ultimately intended to present the Chick-fil-A UK experience to new markets around the globe. This guide will explain everything you need to know to get ready for Chick-fil-A UK; we’ve got you covered on menu offerings and store locations, as well as any new jobs created by the expansion, details on franchising, and how they intend to move beyond the negative controversy they faced in the UK.

Is Chick-fil-A Coming to the UK?

Is Chick-fil-A opening in the UK?

Yes, that’s right. The famous American fast-food chain, known for its crispy chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and lemonade, is entering the United Kingdom. This is all part of Chick-fil-A’s international expansion and has received attention in the US and Europe.

This is not Chick-fil-A’s first time moving outside of the US. A few years ago, they launched a Reading pop-up, which closed just weeks after it opened due to backlash. Now they are coming back bigger and better, with long-term goals and a real plan to stay.

Chick-fil-A UK Opening Date: When Will It Arrive?

The scheduled date for the Chick-fil-A UK launch in 2025 is already set on the company calendar. Obviously, executives have stressed that they expect the first round of restaurants to open early in the new year.

These outlets will allow for a larger rollout over a period of time. This development is part of an enormous international growth strategy of more than 1 billion dollars, enticing new international markets across Europe and Asia to the Chick-fil-A brand.

Chick‑fil‑A UK Locations: London, Belfast, Leeds, and Liverpool

Where will Chick-fil-A open in the UK? The first five cities are London, Belfast, Leeds, and Liverpool, all of which have a large target number of people identified in market research who are actively seeking American-style fast food restaurant chains.

If the launch is successful, expect additional stores to follow. The four markets identified are a combination of foot traffic, tourists, and locals, making it the best place to open a Chick-fil-A in the UK!

Chick‑fil‑A UK Menu Revealed: What to Expect

What will Chick-fil-A’s menu look like in the UK? The great thing is that the primary offerings will remain. The UK menu will still have its signature chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and lemonade that helped make the chain famous in the United States.

However, Chick-fil-A UK will also have some UK-specific added items. They have sourced all chicken and free-range eggs from the UK, so nothing will be frozen, and nothing will be shipped internationally. This not only adds to the freshness, but it also ensures that the chicken and eggs meet local food standards.

Will Chick‑fil‑A UK Be Closed on Sundays?

Is Chick-fil-A closed on Sundays in the UK?

Yes, just like in the US, all Chick-fil-A UK stores will be closed on Sundays. This is a long-held policy of the company as it is respectful of a person’s rest and worship time.

Sunday closure may seem odd to UK consumers, but it is part of what defines the brand and allows employees to have family time or other interests.

How Much Is Chick‑fil‑A Investing in the UK?

How much money did Chick-fil-A invest in the UK?

Chick-fil-A is investing more than $100 million into its UK plans, which include franchise investment, marketing, supply chain, training, etc. This is actually a part of an even larger international expansion plan.

Chick-fil-A has committed to investing a total of $1 billion in global growth by 2025, and the UK is a significant component of that growth.

How Many Jobs Will Chick‑fil‑A Create in the UK?

The business is claiming the first five restaurants will generate approximately 400 new jobs, with each location employing 80 to 100 team members.

This job creation initiative in the UK will benefit local economic development. Chick-fil-A has also pledged to hire locally and will provide training for team members in order to assist in their career development

Chick‑fil‑A UK Franchise Model: Owner-Operator Explained

What is the Chick-fil-A franchise model?

Chick-fil-A uses an owner-operator model, unlike many other chains. This means that franchisees only run one location and are involved in the operations on a daily basis.

What is the cost to open a Chick-fil-A?

The joining fee is only $10,000, which is an enormous cost saving compared to most chains. The company still owns the store and picks franchisees very carefully.

Chick‑fil‑A UK Controversy: LGBTQ+ Backlash and Brand Response

LGBTQ backlash Chick-fil-A UK controversy has been a hot topic of conversation, and the Reading pop-up 2019 closed over protests regarding past donations to certain anti-LGBTQ groups.

Since then, the company has had to make some changes to its giving policies and has adopted a somewhat more philanthropy-focused and community-based giving plan. As a result, their latest approach to the UK market includes more inclusive hiring policies and more inclusive communications.

Why the UK Matters in Chick-fil-A’s Global Strategy

The United Kingdom offers an optimal test market for Chick-fil-A’s global potential. The UK has a stable economy, a taste for fried chicken, and a strong connection to US culture. With a successful operation in the UK, this could lead to an expansion throughout Europe.

But it’s much more than profit. It is about establishing a relationship with the local community through such things as jobs, food donations, and high standards.

What This Means for American Expats and Travelers

If you live in the UK or are visiting the UK in 2025, and you are American, Chick-fil-A is bringing a flavor of home to you. You can expect the same flavors, just modified for local flavor preferences.

Expect to have the same chicken sandwich, the same signature lemonade, the same quality of service, etc. You may get a surprise as to regionalized sides or sauces.