AMERICAN fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A is opening its first restaurant in Singapore in late 2025, with plans to open two more outlets in the city state by the end of 2026.
On Thursday (Oct 17), Chick-fil-A said its Singapore venture will mark its entry into Asia as well as the beginning of a 10-year, US$75 million investment.
The group’s subsidiary Chick-fil-A (Asia) is accepting expressions of interest for those “interested in becoming the first independent Chick-fil-A franchise owner-operator in Singapore”.
Of more than 3,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants globally, most are owned and operated by single individuals.
The group said its franchise model empowers local owner-operators by allowing them to function as small business owners instead of passive investors.
“These local entrepreneurs work in their restaurants side by side with their team members each day, engaging and connecting with guests,” it stated.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Hugh Park, head of Asia-Pacific operations at Chick-fil-A (Asia), said such an approach would allow the brand to “better connect with people in Singapore”.
“We are thrilled to introduce Chick-fil-A to Singapore, bringing new jobs and opportunities as we support the local community,” he said.
Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer Anita Costello highlighted Singapore as an ideal choice for the brand’s first permanent restaurant in the region. This is given its citizens’ “profound love” for food on top of the city’s strategic position as a gateway to the Asian market, she said.
The group’s announcement comes months after it held its first Asian pop-up event in Singapore over Jun 26 to Jun 28 at Aniplus Cafe in Esplanade Mall.
According to a Jun 26 article by The Straits Times, the city state would serve as a test market for the brand before it evaluates its next steps.
All 600 tickets to the event were reported to have sold out within 90 minutes upon their online release on Jun 3.
Diners attending the three-day event were required to make a S$10 donation to Community Chest Singapore, the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service, for every ticket purchased.
Takeaway meals were also made available to the first 200 customers per day. They were further encouraged to make a donation of at least S$5 to Community Chest Singapore in exchange for their meal, although it was not compulsory to do so.
In its Oct 17 statement, Chick-fil-A noted that attendees of the event had helped to generate a total of S$30,000 for the cause.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support and positive response from Singaporeans so far and we look forward to serving them in 2025,” said Costello.