While many concepts, like McDonald’s and Portillo’s, are targeting the fast-growing Southwest and Southeast regions for growth, Chick-fil-A is heading in a different direction, this week announcing plans to open 25 to 30 new restaurants in Michigan by 2028. These new restaurants are expected to add more than 2,500 jobs across the Mitten State.
Chick-fil-A made its debut in Michigan in 2015 and has grown steadily since, now counting 28 locations in the state. Markets that will soon see more of the brand include Detroit/Ann Arbor, Lansing/Jackson, Flint/Saginaw, and Benton Harbor.
“With a unique blend of rural, suburban and city neighborhoods, Michigan is filled with tight-knit communities and proud residents. When looking to identify new opportunities to serve guests and support local communities and economic development, expanding our presence in Michigan was a clear next step,” Midwest Region area director Scott Mayson said in a statement. “For nearly a decade, our passionate local owner-operators have been serving the Great Lakes region, where they are committed to attracting and developing top talent, delivering delicious food and our signature hospitality, and building meaningful relationships in their communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our care for team members and guests with new restaurants across Michigan.”
According to the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, Michigan’s population is expected to increase by about 2.3% from 2022 through 2034. The state is projected to have a slower growth rate and earlier onset population decline than the United States. That said, Michigan isn’t the only state Chick-fil-A is prioritizing, and new openings are announced several times a month throughout the country. The company finished 2023 with just under 3,000 locations on a 5.6% pace, according to Technomic data.
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