Chick-fil-A, Inc. on Wednesday announced that it will open its first international restaurants in Toronto in 2019. These will be the company’s first franchisee-owned restaurants outside of the United States.
With sales booming domestically, the move could be the start of international growth for the chain that has a strong following of devotees.
The first three locations will open in 2019, with the goal of opening at least 15 restaurants in the Toronto area over the next five years, according to the company, creating 50 to 75 new jobs per location.
“Toronto is a dynamic and diverse city with a vibrant restaurant culture, a deep talent pool and a strong, growing economy,” said Rich Matherne, vice president, international at Chick-fil-A.
The move comes on the heels of soaring sales for Chick-fil-A. Rising from $7.9 million in revenue for 2016 to more than $9 billion, the Atlanta-based chain reports that it has had 50-consecutive years of sales growth. Additionally, the company recently made headlines by announcing its plan to offer full meal kits next month – making it one of the first quick-service restaurant to do so.
