Chick-fil-A coming to Northern Ireland

Chick-fil-A is coming to Northern Ireland.

Belfast has been confirmed as one of the first U.K. locations for the American fast food restaurant chain, which is famed for its chicken sandwiches.

It will also open restaurants in Leeds, Liverpool, and London.

The company plans to invest more than $100M over the next 10 years as part of long-term commitment to the U.K.

A statement on from the company this morning said, “With more than 3,000 restaurants across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, the new sites in Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, and London will mark the first locations outside of North America for the restaurant brand, which is known for its famous Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and friendly hospitality.”

“Chick-fil-A plans to open five restaurants, both licensed and locally owned and operated models, across the U.K. in the first two years. “

Anita Costello, Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A, Inc said, “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 U.K.,”

"From job creation to supporting local causes, we are excited about the positive impact our first restaurants will have in the communities they serve.”

The brand’s initial expansion into the U.K. will create approximately 400 new jobs at licensed and franchised restaurants.

Stormont’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly welcomed the news in a post on X.

She said, “Chick-fil-A to open in Northern Ireland!”

“It was great to engage with the company and have the confirmation this morning that Northern Ireland is part of the first wave of UK restaurants.”

The news comes just days after American fast food chain Popeyes opened its first Northern Ireland store at Forestside in South Belfast.