It’s a favourite among all Americans.
Chick-Fil-A, is an American fast-food chain that’s been operating since 1946.
The restaurant is insanely popular among Americans, and it’s all because of one reason… their phenomenal chicken sandwiches.
Fluffy, tender and mouthwatering. Chick-Fil-A’s chicken sandwiches are iconic. It’s a meal that’s loved by all Americans, and is what massively helped in their success.
However it’s a very different story on the other side of the Atlantic, where Chick-Fil-A is non-existent.
Chick-Fil-A’s Arrival In The UK In 2019
Just like several other American fast-food brands, Chick-Fil-A decided they were going to internationally expand their business.
And one the first countries they chose was England.
It made perfect sense for Chick-Fil-A to choose England. It’s a country that welcomed several other fast-food brands, like: McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Taco Bell.
Several American fast-food brands have entered the market and prospered. Chick-Fil-A thought they could do the same.
Chick-Fil-A’s place of experimentation would be in Reading, England. Chick-Fil-A needed to better understand British appetites, therefore they piloted a store in a Reading shopping centre.
On October 10th 2019, the first ever Chick-Fil-A store opened in the UK.
An Turbulent Time:
Naturally many Brits were excited about finally getting taste Chick-Fil-A. Massive ques formed across the Reading mall, Brits were finally getting a taste of the well-renowned Chick-Fil-A.
However the fun wouldn’t last for long.
Gay rights campaigners called for boycotts of the restaurant.
Chick-Fil-A is a company that supports christian organisations. The founder of Chick-Fil-A, Truett Carthy, was a christian.
His faith was even shown in the operations of his business. Chick-Fil-A has had a long running tradition of never opening on Sundays. A tradition that continues on to this day.
In 2017 Chick-FIl-A donated money to three Christian organisations, these being: The Fellowship of Christian athletes, US salvation army and Paul Anderson’s youth home.
Many LGBTQ activisits were outraged by Chick-Fil-A’s support for these organisations. According to campaigners, those organisations have a history of saying anti-LGBTQ messages.
What followed was an onslaught of protests from LGBTQ activits, demanding that Chick-Fil-A closes down.
What followed was an onslaught of protests from LGBTQ activisits, demanding that Chick-Fil-A closes down.
Chick-Fil-A operated until their six-month lease was over, then ceased all operations in the UK.
The Aftermath:
The aftermath of Chick-Fil-A in the UK, is one of mixed emotion. While some were pleased that Chick-Fil-A left the UK, others are disappointed.
Many Brits were saddened by Chick-Fil-A’s departure, gutted that the fast-food giant will never prosper in their home country.
Fast-food brands like McDonalds and KFC have reigned in the UK for decades. Chick-Fil-A would of provided a something unique, they would of spiced up the British fast-food market, giving it a breath of fresh air.
The good news is that Chick-Fil-A is planning a $1billion a international expansion to Europe & Asia from 2026–2030.
Even if Chick-Fil-A never arrives in the UK, it will arrive in neighbouring countries.
