Chick-fil-A is set to open three new locations in Alberta, Canada, throughout this year, with ambitions to establish as many as 20 outlets in the region by 2030. This expansion marks the brand’s inaugural venture into Alberta, following its Canadian launch in Ontario in 2019. The upcoming establishments will be situated in Calgary and Edmonton, broadening Chick-fil-A’s footprint beyond Ontario for the first time.
Paul Trotti, Vice President of International at Chick-fil-A, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s growth in Alberta, highlighting the province’s vibrant development and the opportunity to introduce the Chick-fil-A experience to more Canadians. He emphasized the company’s commitment to community engagement and leadership development, noting that each new restaurant will be operated by a local entrepreneur dedicated to positive community impact and job creation.
The move into Alberta aligns with Chick-fil-A’s strategic investments in Canada, where it previously announced intentions to open seven to 10 new restaurants annually, including further expansions in Ontario. Presently, Chick-fil-A operates 13 locations across Ontario, evidencing its growing presence in the Canadian market.
This expansion is part of Chick-fil-A’s larger goal to enhance its international reach, including a $1 billion plan to enter five new global markets by 2030, with specific aims to establish a presence in Europe and Asia by 2026. Despite previous challenges in international markets, such as a brief stint in London in 2019 and an earlier venture in South Africa, Chick-fil-A remains optimistic about its global prospects, drawing from its strong performance in the U.S. where it operates around 3,000 outlets.
Financial data from Technomic Ignite reveals that Chick-fil-A’s U.S. locations averaged nearly $7 million in sales per unit in 2022, significantly outperforming the industry average. Canadian locations also reported robust sales, averaging over $4 million and surpassing the market average.
Chick-fil-A’s expansion comes as Canada sees increased interest from American restaurant chains, with notable growth in visits and sales within the quick-service restaurant sector. This trend underscores the country’s appealing market potential for established and emerging foodservice brands alike.