One of the most beloved US fast food restaurants is set to plant their roots on British soil for the first time, as its first restaurant locations have been announced.
We've all heard the same fast food chains in TV shows and films growing up, whether it be Taco Bell, Wendy's, Popeye's or Chick-fil-A.
The latter is the only one that is yet to open chains in the UK, though in the past few years, the other three have opened their first chains as they have branched out and given us an opportunity to savour the greasy American goodness.
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It's nice to know what all the fuss is about across the pond, but now it's time to add Chick-fil-A to our list of potential cheat meals, as its famous waffle fries and chicken sandwiches are finally within touching distance.
That's not all though, as the business' expansion into the UK will also introduce a number of food items on the menu that wouldn't ordinarily be available in existing chains, such as savoury biscuits and of course - ranch dipping sauce.
It's enough to make your mouth water.
The only time that Brits have been given a taste of the chicken specialists was back in 2019, when the chain opened a temporary pop-up in Reading.
But years on, after the chain had previously stated that it intended to invest $100 million (£74.6 million) in the UK over the next 10 years, five permanent stores will be opened across a number of locations.
The Sun reports that these will start to open from 2025 until 2027, adding to their 3,000+ sites across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
Chick-fil-A have also opened applications for those looking to take on a franchise, with around 400 new jobs set to be created for Brits from this expansion.
These are the confirmed locations for the UK's first Chick-fil-A stores:
Belfast (two stores)
Leeds
Liverpool
London
The Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A, Anita Costello, said to 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 signature hospitality to Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool and London, and continuing our long-term investment in the UK.
"From job creation to supporting local causes, we are excited about the positive impact our first restaurants will have in the communities they serve," she concluded.
The first British chains plan to use chicken and free-range eggs fully sourced from the UK and Ireland, from welfare-certified farms.
It is expected that the first branch will open its doors in the first quarter of 2025.
Chick-fil-A was founded by devout Christian Samuel Truett Cathy in 1946, who followed 'biblical principles' when running his business, and it is still owned by the Cathy family today.
Their official corporate 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 in contact with Chick-fil-A.'
Existing stores do not open on Sundays, as per Christian beliefs, which is also expected to continue with UK chains according to reports.
Topics: Business, UK News, Food And Drink
Joshua Nair