US fast-food giant Chick-fil-A has confirmed Liverpool as one of the first locations for its UK debut, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion. According to Propel, the American chain, known for its chicken sandwiches and hospitality-focused service, is set to launch its first wave of UK restaurants beginning in 2025. Alongside Liverpool, other inaugural sites include two in Belfast, one in Leeds, and one in London.
Chick-fil-A’s UK rollout is a strategic move, with the brand planning to open these five locations over the next two years. To support this growth, the company has already begun accepting applications from potential franchise operators eager to join the Chick-fil-A family. This expansion reflects the brand’s commitment to establishing a foothold in the UK market, despite past challenges in its international ventures.
Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A began as a small diner in Hapeville, Georgia, called the Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House). The chain’s hallmark—a pressure-cooked chicken sandwich—helped propel its popularity, and by 1967, Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta. Over the decades, the brand has grown into one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States, with over 2,700 locations as of 2023.
Chick-fil-A is not only renowned for its food but also its unique operational philosophy. It has maintained a policy of closing all locations on Sundays to allow employees to rest and worship if they choose. This practice, a reflection of Cathy’s Christian values, has become a defining characteristic of the brand’s identity.
Despite its culinary reputation, Chick-fil-A has faced significant controversy over the years, particularly related to its stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The company’s charitable foundation previously donated to organizations that were accused of opposing LGBTQ+ equality, leading to boycotts and public backlash. While Chick-fil-A has since stated that it has refocused its charitable giving to education, homelessness, and hunger, the brand’s historical associations have left a lasting impact on its public image.
In the UK, Chick-fil-A’s earlier attempt to enter the market in 2019 was met with protests, leading to the closure of its pilot location in Reading. As the brand prepares for a fresh start, it remains to be seen how it will navigate these reputational challenges and adapt to the cultural landscape of its new audience.
For now, all eyes are on 2025 as the year when Chick-fil-A will officially take its first step onto British soil.