American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A is bringing its iconic chicken sandwiches and waffle fries to the UK.
Although not many Brits have heard of the chain, the 55-year-old family-owned business runs more than 2,800 restaurants across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Truett Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall.
Set to gain five new stores across London, Liverpool, Belfast and Leeds over the next two years, it will not be the first time the chain has tried to make its mark on the UK.
The chicken shop opened a pop-up store in Reading, Berkshire, in 2019, but closed after the initial pilot period when the lease on the site was not extended.
Reading Pride gay rights campaigners held a demonstration outside the shopping centre, calling for a boycott over the chain’s history of giving money to groups it claimed were anti-LGBT rights.
The chicken chain is still significantly rooted in its founder’s Christian beliefs.
Truett Cathy (pictured) founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall
The first Chick-Fil-A restaurant located in Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta
American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has revealed its first ever UK locations (File image)
The owners of the chain, the Cathy family, have in the past donated money to various charities, some of which have been associated with anti-LGBT beliefs.
The stores do not open on Sundays, in a tradition to honour a day of rest. This allows staff to worship and spend the day with family.
Now, the chicken sandwich chain plans to open five restaurants across London, Liverpool, Belfast and Leeds over the next two years.
It already has more than 3,000 restaurants across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada, with the new UK branches marking the first locations outside of North America.
The brand will donate £25,000 to a local non-profit organisation in celebration of each new UK restaurant opening.
Anita Costello, Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A, said: ‘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 UK.’
A Chick fil chicken burger next to glass of coke from the store
The chain is known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries (pictured)
The chicken sandwich chain plans to open five restaurants across London, Liverpool, Belfast and Leeds over the next two years. Pictured: The restaurant in LA
The majority of Chick-fil-A restaurants will be owned by local, independent Owner-Operators – small business owners.
Each local Owner-Operator will be responsible for daily activities of the business – including hiring and developing their Team Members, connecting with guests, and cultivating relationships with local organisations and businesses.
Joanna Symonds, Head of UK Operations, said: ‘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 UK.’