The famous American fast food chain Chick-fil-A plans to open its first S’pore outlet

The family-owned brand was founded in 1967 by restaurateur S. Truett Cathy, who opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in an Atlanta strip mall. It has since grown into a chain with more than 3,000 locations across the United States and is said to be the third largest domestic retailer after McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Despite being a purveyor of all things chicken, Chick-fil-A is also known for its cheeky cow mascots urging people to “eat mor chikin.” The “A” in its name is capitalized to represent the Grade A quality of its food and operations.

No part of this story or photos may be reproduced without permission from 8 days.sg. Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich

“The home of the original chicken sandwich”

As its name (pronounced “chicken fillet”) suggests, Chick-fil-A’s most famous offering is its hearty Original Chicken Sandwich, which contains a piece of breaded, boneless “pressure cooked” chicken breast. in 100% refined peanut oil and served on a grilled platter. , buttered roll with dill pickle chips.

Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich The small but incredibly focused menu also serves a variety of chicken sandwiches and other comfort foods, including a deluxe spicy sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomatoes and lettuce, a grilled chicken sandwich, nuggets, chicken tenders called Chick-n-Strips, garnished chicken. salads and sides like chicken tortilla soup.

Opening in Asia

U.S. media reported last year that Chick-fil-A Inc. was looking to expand worldwide by opening new outlets in Europe and Asia by 2026. The billion-dollar plan will include locations in five international markets by 2030, according to The Wall Street Journal. It currently has branches outside the United States, in Puerto Rico and Canada.

Chick-fil-A’s third-generation CEO and Truett Cathy’s grandson, Andrew Cathy, told the publication that further expansion was necessary so the privately held, family-owned company could “continue to innovate and try to test how we will do in international markets so that we can learn.

Hiring in Singapore

Meanwhile, there is already a Chick-fil-A headquarters in Singapore. In January, she posted a local job posting for a training manager position. The role’s mandate included training “restaurant operators and staff members operating restaurants in Singapore and Asia by providing customized training programs.”

In response to requests for information from 8 days.sgHugh S. Park, Chick-fil-A’s Asia-Pacific region head (Asia), shares that the company is “looking at several possible locations in Asia, including Singapore,” for expansion.

He adds: “In terms of our operating model, our success in the United States is directly linked to the passion and drive of the local owner-operator whose goal is to have a positive influence on the people and community they serve. serve. And we strive to maintain this approach as we expand internationally.

Unusual franchise model

While most fast food chains operate under a business model in which franchisees operate their overseas outlets independently, Chick-fil-A’s approach is unusual. Interested parties who want to open a franchise restaurant go through a “long and intensive selection process,” with an acceptance rate considered as competitive as that of top universities like Harvard and Stanford.

Successful applicants pay only a nominal franchise fee and are not expected to invest much capital, as Chick-fil-A covers most of the start-up costs involved but charges the franchisee’s rent, a basic operating fee and an equity fee. to profits. Franchisees are generally not allowed to open multiple outlets, as they are expected to be involved and attentive in the management of their existing store.

As the brand’s website pragmatically states: “Franchising is not an opportunity for passive financial investment, side hustle work, or addition to a portfolio of businesses. This often requires long hours and leading a team of mostly young, hourly employees. It’s hard work, but extremely rewarding. Intense, but Chick-fil-A’s commitment to quality control is widely considered the reason it has managed to capture significant market share.

Watch this space for more updates.

Pictures: Chick-fil-A / Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

No part of this story or photos may be reproduced without permission from 8 days.sg.

8days.sg is now on #tiktok! follow us on www.tiktok.com/@8dayseat