Chick-fil-A, one of the largest quick-service restaurants in the United States, has announced the locations of its first UK restaurants. The fast food chain will open sites in London, Liverpool, Leeds, and two in Belfast, as part of a £74m investment into the UK market.
The expansion is expected to create 400 jobs across the country. Chick-fil-A will operate through licensed franchises, allowing individuals to manage the daily operations of each restaurant. Unlike other fast food chains, such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A franchisees will not own the property but will oversee the business on a day-to-day basis. Applications to run a branch are now open.
Initial Investment and Comparison to Other Chains
While the financial details for UK franchises have not been fully disclosed, reports from The Sun suggest that an initial investment of around $10,000 (£7,479) is required in the US. In comparison, a McDonald's franchise in the UK typically costs between £500,000 and £1.85m.
US Chains Expanding in the UK
Chick-fil-A joins a growing list of US fast food brands making moves into the UK market. In recent years, other popular chains such as Dave’s Hot Chicken, Popeyes, Wendy’s, and Wingstop have also announced plans to expand or establish a presence in the UK.
Register for updates — then enhance your profile in the login area, the more 'discoverable' you are — the more your skills will be in-demand.
Click here to register.
