Chick-fil-A to open 1st Asian branch in S’pore next year, now looking for local franchisees

Renowned for their chicken sandwiches, American fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has announced plans to launch in Singapore.

The chain plans to invest US$75 million into its Asian expansion, and its eyes seem to be set on Singapore first. Chick-fil-A reportedly aims to open its first Singaporean restaurant in late 2025.

Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, said the firm chose Singapore as its first Asian location because of its strategic position and its residents’ enthusiasm for food.

“The profound love that Singaporeans have for food as well as the city’s strategic position as a gateway to the Asian market make it the ideal choice for Chick-fil-A’s first permanent restaurant in the region,” she said.

This expansion follows the three-day pop-up Chick-fil-A held the Esplanade in June this year. Serving its classic chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, the proceeds from their sold-out tickets were donated to the Community Chest charity fund.

Looking for franchisees

Ahead of its expansion into the city-state, Chick-fil-A added that it’s now looking for local franchisees, whom it refers to as Operators.

“Becoming a Chick-fil-A Franchisee offers the opportunity to build a business, shape a culture and invest in a better future,” the chain stated on a webpage titled Singapore Franchise Opportunity.

The page also states that the company is looking for franchise owner-operators fuelled by entrepreneurial spirits for building businesses and communities.

“We’re looking for those leaders, both the people who want to make a difference where they live and those who want to put down new roots, to introduce Chick-fil-A to the places we’ve never been before,” the announcement continued.

These franchisees are expected to be hands-on at their outlet. As such, they’re typically not allowed to open more than one branch to ensure their focus and commitment to their existing shop.

According to 8days’ article, Singapore franchisees will also “have the opportunity to be part of the Chick-fil-A Shared Table food donation programme”. This programme feeds hungry people by sharing surplus food with local nonprofit partners.

The article also shared that Chick-fil-A employs a unique franchise model that requires only a minimal franchise fee, as the company covers most startup expenses.

That said, franchisees are required to pay rent, a base operating fee, as well as adopt a profit-sharing model.

So no Sundays?

Founded in 1946, Chick-fil-A is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the US, operating more than 3,000 restaurants across the States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Having spent some time in the US, I’ve been able to try their delicious chicken sandwiches (which we may call chicken burgers, a term that Americans do not accept) and waffle fries, and cannot wait to have the offering closer to home.

With that experience, I’m also astutely aware that come Sunday, the shutters are down, and no yummy chicken sandwiches can be found.

Thus, one question that I—and other netizens—seem to have is whether the chain will follow its usual custom of closing on Sundays.

While some netizens suggest that Singapore’s expensive rentals may force them to remain open on Sundays, it’s likely that Chick-fil-A will continue closing shop on Sundays.

“Six days a week, in neighbourhoods all across the globe, more than 3,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants are serving hand-breaded chicken sandwiches, hot waffle fries, and genuine hospitality,” the chain stated on its Singapore franchise opportunity page.

Featured Image Credit: Chick-fil-A