A serving of Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich. Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A
U.S. chicken sandwich chain Chick-fil-A has announced plans to launch its first Singapore restaurant late next year as part of its US$75 million investment to enter Asia.
The Singapore store marks the beginning of the brand’s expansion plan, in which it will invest $75 million in the city-state over the next decade, Chick-fil-A said in an announcement cited by Singaporean magazine 8Days.
The firm added that it is looking for local franchisees, whom it refers to as owner-operators, in the city-state.
Chick-fil-A employs a unique franchise model that requires only a minimal franchise fee, as the company covers most startup expenses.
However, franchisees are required to pay rent, a base operating fee, and profit-sharing.
They are also expected to work daily in the same premises with his or her team members, as reported by The Straits Times.
Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, said the firm chose Singapore as its first location in the region because of its strategic position as a gateway to the Asian market and its residents’ enthusiasm for food.
In June, the company partnered with local philanthropic organization Community Chest to hold a pop-up event in the city-state that raised S$30,000 (US$22,850) in donations for the charity.
Founded in 1946, Chick-fil-A is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the U.S. and operates more than 3,000 restaurants across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
It generated $21.6 billion in sales last year, a 14.9% increase from 2022, according to restaurant industry magazine QSR.
