Chick-fil-A, one of America’s most beloved fast-food chains, is expanding internationally and making its mark in the United Kingdom. In a recent announcement, the Atlanta-based chain revealed plans to open restaurants in London, Liverpool, Leeds, and Belfast, bringing its iconic chicken sandwiches and signature hospitality to a brand-new market. This expansion is part of Chick-fil-A’s broader growth strategy, which also includes the addition of over 3,000 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s Chief International Officer, expressed her excitement about the new venture, highlighting the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. “Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do,” Costello said. “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.”

As part of their community-focused approach, Chick-fil-A is donating over $32,600 to local nonprofits in each of the new cities where they will open. This initiative demonstrates the company’s mission of serving people, not just through food but also by giving back to the community. Additionally, the franchise owners in the U.K. will be encouraged to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which donates leftover food to local shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks. In 2023, this initiative helped provide over 7 million meals to those in need across North America, and Chick-fil-A aims to continue this impact in their new locations

Joanna Symonds, who heads Chick-fil-A’s operations in the U.K., echoed this commitment to community care. “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.,” she said. “Caring for people while delivering great food is at the heart of our brand.”

Beyond their charitable efforts, Chick-fil-A is also dedicated to sustainability in their new locations. The chicken served at these restaurants will be sourced from within the U.K., and only free-range eggs will be used. Furthermore, the company’s presence is expected to create around 400 new jobs across the country, contributing to both the local economy and providing employment opportunities for British citizens.

For many Christian business owners and customers, Chick-fil-A is known for operating with biblical principles, including their policy of closing all locations on Sundays in observance of the Sabbath. This tradition will continue in the U.K., where the chain hopes to not only offer high-quality food but also reflect its values of service, community support, and care for others.