Popular American restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A announces the first locations in the UK where it will open restaurants

One of America’s most beloved fast food restaurants is set to plant roots on British soil for the first time, as its first restaurant locations have been announced.

We all heard about the same fast food chains on TV shows and movies growing up, whether it was Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Popeye’s, or Chick-fil-A.

The latter is the only one yet to open a chain in the UK, although in recent years the other three have opened their first chains, branching out and giving us the chance to savour some greasy American goodness.

It’s nice to know why it’s all the rage across the pond, but now it’s time to add Chick-fil-A to our list of potential cheat meals, because its famous waffle fries and chicken sandwiches are finally within reach.

But that’s not all, as the company’s expansion into the UK will also introduce a number of menu items that wouldn’t normally be available at existing chains, such as crackers and of course, ranch dressing.

It’s enough to make your mouth water.

The only time Brits got to sample the chicken specialties was in 2019, when the chain opened a temporary pop-up in Reading.

But years later, after the chain declared its intention to invest $100m (£74.6m) in the UK over the next ten years, five permanent stores will open in several locations.

The Sun reports that these locations will begin opening between 2025 and 2027, adding to their more than 3,000 locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Chick-fil-A has also opened applications for those interested in taking over a franchise, with around 400 new jobs expected to be created for Britons through the expansion.

Here are the confirmed locations for the first Chick-fil-A stores in the UK:

• Belfast (two stores)
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• London

Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, told The Sun: “Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to bringing Chick-fil-A’s delicious food and iconic hospitality to Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool and London, and continuing our long-term investment in the UK.

“From creating jobs to supporting local causes, we are excited about the positive impact our first restaurants will have on the communities they serve,” she concluded.

The first UK chains plan to use free-range and chicken eggs sourced entirely from the UK and Ireland, from farms certified as respecting animal welfare.

The first branch is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.

Chick-fil-A was founded by devout Christian Samuel Truett Cathy in 1946, who followed “biblical principles” in running his business, and it is still owned by the Cathy family today.

Their official company mission statement is “to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.”

Existing stores do not open on Sundays in line with Christian beliefs, which is also expected to continue in UK chains, according to reports.