Chick-fil-A Inc. will make its first franchise push outside the United States with restaurants in Toronto, the company said Wednesday.
The Atlanta-based chicken brand said it will open its first restaurants in Canada in 2019.
“Chick-fil-A has not yet selected an operator,” a Chick-fil-A spokesman said of the planned development.
“Toronto is a great city — with diverse and caring people, a vibrant restaurant culture and a deep talent pool,” said Tim Tassopoulos, Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer, in a statement. “These characteristics align perfectly with Chick-fil-A’s focus on community giving, delivering a premium restaurant experience and working with passionate people who can grow with our company.”
Tassopoulos also appeared in a new YouTube video, saying Toronto is “inviting” with a “rich culture.”
The company has also created a website to focus on its Canada expansion.
In a press release, the company said it is focused on growth in the greater Toronto area, “with plans to open at least 15 restaurants in the next five years, creating 50 to 75 new jobs per location.”
The company said it is also committed to local suppliers.
Chick-fil-A moved up one spot in the recent Nation’s Restaurant News Top 200, pushing Dunkin’ Donuts out of the No. 7 rank by U.S. systemwide sales. The brand posted $8.97 billion in sales in its December 2017-ended Latest Year, an increase from $7.88 billion in the preceding year.
Chick-fil-A has more than 2,300 locations in the United States.
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