Chick-fil-A is looking to more than quadruple its footprint in Puerto Rico by 2030, announcing plans to grow from five to 20-to-25 locations there backed by what the company calls a long-term investment. Chick-fil-A made its debut in Puerto Rico in 2022.
“Chick-fil-A’s growth in Puerto Rico creates a tremendous opportunity not only for our business, but for economic development and local community impact across the Island,” vice president, international, Paul Trotti, said in a statement. “We’re pleased to bring our authentic Chick-fil-A experience to more people across Puerto Rico, while also serving local communities and living out our commitment to having a positive influence on all we come into contact with.”
The chain’s expansion will be supported by a government tax decree allowing it to build restaurants in "qualified opportunity zones." Qualified opportunity zones are intended to encourage economic growth in the commonwealth, according to the Puerto Rico Incentives Code of 2019. According to The Tax Adviser, such designations are made for low-income communities with a poverty rate of at least 20% or median family income at least 20% below the surrounding area. Most of the island (98%) is designated as a QOZ. Following two major hurricanes in 2017, Congress enacted an exemption on Puerto Rico’s QOZ limit to encourage redevelopment.
"It is our duty to support the growth of companies like Chick-fil-A, which contribute to economic development by creating jobs and social wellbeing, demonstrating with philanthropic actions a high sense of solidarity with others and community commitment,” Manuel Cidre, secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, said in a statement. “… [Chick-fil-A has] proven to provide high-quality products and services, which has allowed them to achieve success in such a short time in Puerto Rico."
Chick-fil-A finished 2023 with 2,964 U.S. locations, according to Technomic, marking a 5.6% year-over-year increase. That growth has been consistent throughout the past several years, driven by the company’s strong sales momentum. The company’s sales have grown by more than 77% since 2019. Chick-fil-A also has a small presence in Canada and is eyeing international growth, with plans to open restaurants in Europe and Asia by 2026.
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