Chick-fil-A UK – Locations, Menu and Expansion Plans
Chick-fil-A has established its first permanent United Kingdom presence, operating four locations across Northern Ireland and England with a flagship site now serving the London area. The American fast-food chain, known for its chicken sandwiches and strict Sunday closures, launched its UK expansion in early 2025 following a failed 2019 attempt.
The company’s re-entry began in Belfast, followed by openings in Leeds and additional Northern Ireland service stations. Most recently, the chain opened at 90 Eden Street in Kingston upon Thames on March 5, 2026, converting a former HSBC bank into its first London-area restaurant. This opening marked the fourth UK location for the brand.
The expansion represents a $100 million investment commitment over ten years, with the company employing a distinctive franchise model that requires owner-operators to work directly in their restaurants rather than serve as passive investors.
Is Chick-fil-A Open in the UK?
Four locations operational across the UK as of early 2026, with a fifth planned for Liverpool.
Initial opening occurred in Belfast in January 2025, marking the company’s first sustained non-North American operation.
Five restaurants planned within the first two years, creating approximately 400 jobs.
Licensed locations operated by local independent Owner-Operators, not corporate-run or traditional franchises.
- Four UK locations are currently trading: Kingston upon Thames, Leeds, Templepatrick, and Lisburn South.
- All locations observe Sunday closures, continuing the policy established by founder S. Truett Cathy.
- The company committed $100 million over ten years to the UK market, announced September 2024.
- Menu items utilize UK-sourced chicken and 100% free-range eggs from welfare-certified farms.
- The franchise model requires operators to handle daily operations and community engagement personally.
- Chick-fil-A Shared Table program donates surplus food to local UK charities.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Chick-fil-A Inc. (US) |
| UK Entry Announced | September 25, 2024 |
| First UK Opening | Belfast, January 2025 |
| London Area Opening | Kingston upon Thames, March 5, 2026 |
| Total Investment | $100 million over 10 years |
| Initial Store Target | Five locations in first two years |
| Operator Model | Local independent Owner-Operators |
| Sunday Operations | Closed at all locations |
| Job Creation | 400 roles in first two years |
What Are the Chick-fil-A UK Locations?
London and the South East
The company’s first London-area restaurant opened at 90 Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames, London KT1 1JD on March 5, 2026. The site, formerly an HSBC bank, operates Monday through Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Kingston represents the chain’s first presence in the Greater London area, described by the company as its entry into the “Big Smoke.”
Northern England
In Leeds, Chick-fil-A operates at 34-35 Commercial Street, Leeds LS1 6EX. The company has confirmed plans for a Liverpool location scheduled to open later in 2026, though specific site details and dates remain unannounced.
Northern Ireland
The UK launch began in Northern Ireland with three locations. The first opened at Applegreen Templepatrick Services Northbound M2, Browns Road, M2 Northbound, Co. Antrim BT36 4RN. A second Northern Ireland location operates at Applegreen Lisburn Services Southbound M1, Tullynacross Road, Lisburn BT27 5TL. These service station sites accompanied the initial Belfast opening in January 2025.
The company has prioritized high-visibility service station locations in Northern Ireland alongside high street sites in England. The Kingston location represents a shift toward dense urban centers following the initial regional testing phase.
What Is on the Chick-fil-A UK Menu?
Core Offerings
UK menus feature the chain’s signature items adapted for local sourcing requirements. Available products include the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, grilled nuggets, hand-breaded nuggets, freshly made salads, waffle fries, iced tea, natural lemonade, and proprietary dipping sauces. The classic chicken sandwich and nuggets have generated particular demand, with reports of queues during peak service times.
Sourcing Standards
The company utilizes UK-sourced chicken for all menu items. Eggs used in preparation are 100% free-range and sourced from welfare-certified farms. No halal certification or specific dietary adaptations have been announced for the UK market.
All chicken served in UK restaurants is sourced domestically rather than imported from the United States, with egg suppliers required to meet specific welfare certification standards.
What Are Chick-fil-A’s UK Expansion Plans?
Investment and Timeline
On September 25, 2024, Chick-fil-A announced plans to invest more than $100 million over ten years in the UK market. The initial phase targets five restaurants within the first two years, utilizing licensed and locally owned operations rather than corporate-owned stores. The company projected creating 400 jobs during this initial expansion period.
Franchise Model and Community Programs
The UK expansion employs Chick-fil-A’s distinctive Owner-Operator model, wherein local independent operators manage daily operations, hiring, and community relationships. The company is actively seeking expressions of interest from potential UK Owner-Operators and licensing partners for non-traditional locations such as airports and campuses.
Community integration includes the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which distributes surplus food to local UK charities. This initiative mirrors the company’s US program, which donates more than seven million meals annually.
The company previously operated test locations in Reading, England, and Aviemore, Scotland in 2019, both of which closed after six months following boycotts by LGBTQ+ activists. The 2024 relaunch proceeded despite what company officials described as “online noise” regarding the controversy.
When Did Chick-fil-A Launch in the UK?
-
Chick-fil-A officially announces UK expansion plans, identifying Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and London as initial markets with a $100 million investment commitment. Source
-
First UK restaurant opens in Belfast, marking the company’s debut in the market. Source
-
Additional locations open in Templepatrick and Lisburn, Northern Ireland, alongside the Leeds high street site. Source
-
Kingston upon Thames location opens as the fourth UK restaurant and first in the London area. Source
-
Liverpool opening scheduled to complete the initial five-store rollout.
What Do We Know for Certain About Chick-fil-A UK?
Established Facts
- Four locations currently operational in Kingston, Leeds, Templepatrick, and Lisburn South
- Sunday closure policy enforced at all UK sites
- $100 million investment commitment over ten years
- UK-sourced chicken and welfare-certified free-range eggs used in all locations
- Local Owner-Operator franchise model required for all restaurants
- Surplus food donation program active through Chick-fil-A Shared Table
Remaining Uncertainties
- Specific menu pricing for UK market
- Halal certification status or availability
- Exact opening date for Liverpool location
- Plans for additional central London sites beyond Kingston
- Availability of delivery services or third-party app partnerships
- Specific charitable partnerships under the Shared Table program
Why Did Chick-fil-A Return to the UK?
The company’s 2024 re-entry follows a failed 2019 attempt when test locations in Reading and Aviemore closed after six months. Those closures followed organized boycotts by LGBTQ+ activists protesting donations made by the Chick-fil-A Foundation to organizations opposed to same-sex marriage.
Despite renewed online criticism during the 2024 announcement, the company proceeded with its expansion. The second attempt emphasizes community impact through food donation programs and local employment, potentially reflecting a strategy to mitigate previous controversies through direct community engagement rather than corporate philanthropy.
The UK Clock Change 2025 may affect operating hours perception during seasonal transitions, though the company maintains consistent Monday-Saturday schedules regardless of daylight saving adjustments.
What Have Officials Said About the UK Expansion?
“We are excited to bring Chick-fil-A’s signature hospitality and freshly prepared food to the United Kingdom. Our expansion into the UK represents a significant milestone as we introduce our brand to new communities outside North America.”
— Chick-fil-A Official Press Release, September 2024 Source
“The Kingston opening generated significant queues and interest from local residents eager to experience the brand’s hospitality and signature chicken sandwich.”
— Opening Coverage, March 2026 Source
What Is the Current Status of Chick-fil-A UK?
Chick-fil-A currently operates four UK locations with a fifth planned for Liverpool later in 2026. The company has established its presence in Kingston upon Thames, Leeds, and two Northern Ireland service stations following its Belfast debut. While the Met Office UK Snow List may indicate seasonal weather patterns that could affect travel to service station locations, all restaurants maintain their published hours regardless of conditions, barring exceptional circumstances.
Common Questions About Chick-fil-A UK
Is Chick-fil-A halal in the UK?
The company has not announced halal certification for any UK locations. Menu items are prepared using UK-sourced chicken, but specific religious slaughter standards have not been confirmed.
Why is Chick-fil-A closed on Sundays?
All UK locations close on Sundays in accordance with founder S. Truett Cathy’s policy established in 1946, allowing employees rest and time for family regardless of location profitability.
What happened to the Reading Chick-fil-A?
The 2019 Reading test location closed after six months due to sustained boycotts by LGBTQ+ activists protesting the company’s charitable foundation donations.
Does Chick-fil-A UK offer delivery?
Official announcements have not confirmed delivery partnerships or app availability for the UK market. Current operations focus on in-restaurant and takeaway service.
How much does Chick-fil-A cost in the UK?
Specific pricing information has not been released in official announcements, though reports indicate the signature chicken sandwich and nuggets are positioned as mid-market fast-casual offerings.
Who can own a Chick-fil-A franchise in the UK?
The company seeks local independent Owner-Operators who work directly in the restaurant, not passive investors. Applications are accepted through their UK licensing program for traditional and non-traditional sites.
More related posts
In the Shadow of the Moon – Plot Cast and Ending Explained
Met Office UK Snow List – Yellow and Amber Warnings Explained
Redmi Note 10 Pro – Price, Specs, Camera and Battery Guide
Barclays Account Closure Forum Discussion – Steps, Insights & Complaints
Paul Rudd Movie and TV Show : Complete Guide (2024)
Incident in Liverpool City Centre – Two Men Charged Over Firearms Threat
How Many Goals Has Ronaldo Scored – Career Total and Breakdown
Saudi Riyal to GBP: Exchange Rate & Conversion Guide
