History of Chick-fil-A in Timeline
Chick-fil-A is a prominent American fast food chain known for its chicken sandwiches. With headquarters in College Park, Georgia, they operate over 3,000 restaurants across the US and territories. Beyond their signature sandwiches, they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering services. While primarily focused in the US, they are expanding internationally with operations in Canada and previous ventures in the UK and South Africa.
1921: S. Truett Cathy is Born
In 1921, S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, was born. His Christian beliefs would heavily influence the company's values.
1946: Founding of Chick-fil-A
The Chick-fil-A restaurant chain was founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy.
1946: The Dwarf Grill Opens
The Dwarf Grill, later renamed the Dwarf House, opened in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946. This restaurant, founded by S. Truett Cathy, marked the beginning of what would become the Chick-fil-A chain.
1946: The Dwarf Grill Opens
Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, The Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House), in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946 and created his signature pressure-cooked chicken breast sandwich.
1961: Chick-fil-A is Born
In 1961, S. Truett Cathy registered the name Chick-fil-A, Inc., after discovering a pressure fryer that could cook chicken as quickly as hamburgers.
1964: Chick-fil-A Expands Through Licensing
Between 1964 and 1967, the Chick-fil-A sandwich was licensed to over 50 establishments, including Waffle House and Houston Astrodome concession stands.
1967: First Dedicated Chick-fil-A Location Opens
The first dedicated Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in the Greenbriar Mall food court in Atlanta in 1967. This marked a shift away from licensing the sandwich to other establishments.
April 16, 1986: First Freestanding Chick-fil-A Opens
Chick-fil-A opened its first freestanding restaurant on April 16, 1986, on North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta, Georgia. This move signified a strategic shift towards stand-alone units over food court locations.
1986: Expansion of Full-Service Restaurants
In 1986, Truett Cathy expanded his restaurant concept by opening full-service Chick-fil-A Dwarf House restaurants, offering a wider menu and various service options, including table service, counter service, and drive-thru.
September 1994: First International Location Opens in Canada
Chick-fil-A ventured outside the United States in September 1994 by opening its first international location in a student center food court at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, which closed a few years later.
1995: "Eat Mor Chikin" Campaign Launch
The Richards Group created Chick-fil-A's iconic "Eat Mor Chikin" advertising slogan in 1995, featuring Holstein cows holding signs.
August 1996: Chick-fil-A's First Foray Outside North America
In August 1996, Chick-fil-A opened its first international restaurant in Durban, South Africa, venturing outside North America for the first time.
1996: First Truett's Grill Opens
The first Truett's Grill, an independently owned diner-themed restaurant with a larger menu and sit-down dining, opened in Morrow, Georgia, in 1996.
November 1997: Second South African Location
In November 1997, Chick-fil-A expanded its presence in South Africa by opening a second restaurant in Johannesburg.
1997: Chick-fil-A Sponsors Peach Bowl
Beginning in 1997, Chick-fil-A began sponsoring the Peach Bowl, an annual college football game held in Atlanta on New Year's Eve.
2001: Closure of South African Restaurants
Chick-fil-A closed both of its South African restaurants in 2001 due to lack of profitability.
2003: Second Truett's Grill Location
A second Truett's Grill restaurant opened in McDonough, Georgia, in 2003.
January 1, 2004: Temporary Halt of "Eat Mor Chikin" Campaign
Chick-fil-A briefly suspended its "Eat Mor Chikin" ad campaign on January 1, 2004, during a mad cow disease scare to avoid appearing insensitive.
2006: Third Truett's Grill Location
The third Truett's Grill restaurant opened its doors in Griffin, Georgia, in 2006.
2008: Chick-fil-A Goes Trans Fat-Free
In 2008, Chick-fil-A became one of the first fast-food chains to completely eliminate trans fats from its menu, demonstrating its commitment to healthier options.
2011: Chick-fil-A's Legal Challenge to "Eat More Kale"
Chick-fil-A sent a cease and desist letter in 2011 to artist Bo Muller-Moore, demanding he stop printing "Eat More Kale" T-shirts, sparking controversy and criticism.
2011: Food Blogger Criticizes Chick-fil-A's Ingredients
In 2011, food blogger and activist Vani Hari called out Chick-fil-A for using nearly 100 ingredients in its sandwiches, including TBHQ, a preservative derived from butane.
July 2012: Controversy Over Same-Sex Marriage Statements
In July 2012, Chick-fil-A's COO, Dan T. Cathy, sparked controversy with public statements opposing same-sex marriage, leading to political backlash and calls for boycotts.
July 31, 2012: Chick-fil-A Responds to Backlash
Following intense criticism and calls for boycotts, Chick-fil-A issued a statement on July 31, 2012, aiming to distance itself from the same-sex marriage debate and focus on its food and service.
October 2012: Chick-fil-A Meets with Food Blogger
Following the criticism from Vani Hari, Chick-fil-A invited her to meet with company executives at its headquarters in October 2012.
2012: Chick-fil-A Emphasizes Respect for All
A spokesperson for Chick-fil-A stated in 2012 that the company's culture emphasizes treating everyone with honor, dignity, and respect, regardless of their beliefs, race, creed, sexual orientation, or gender.
December 2013: Chick-fil-A Makes Ingredient Changes
Chick-fil-A announced in December 2013 that it would remove high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes from its products. They also shared that they were testing a new type of peanut oil.
2013: Truett's Luau Opens
Inspired by a trip to Hawaii, Truett Cathy opened Truett's Luau in Fayetteville, Georgia, in 2013, featuring a menu with a Hawaiian influence.
February 2014: Chick-fil-A Commits to Antibiotic-Free Chicken
In February 2014, Chick-fil-A announced its plan to serve only chicken raised without antibiotics nationwide within five years, becoming the first fast-food chain to make such a pledge.
May 2014: Chick-fil-A Returns to Canada
After closing its first Canadian location, Chick-fil-A returned to Canada in May 2014 with an outlet at the Calgary International Airport, which later closed in 2019.
December 11, 2014: "Eat More Kale" Trademark Granted
Vermont artist Bo Muller-Moore was granted a trademark for his "Eat More Kale" phrase by the U.S. Patent Office on December 11, 2014, after a legal battle with Chick-fil-A.
December 12, 2014: Public Celebration of Trademark Victory
Bo Muller-Moore publicly celebrated his trademark victory with Vermont Governor Shumlin and supporters on December 12, 2014.
2014: S. Truett Cathy Dies
S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, died in 2014. He left behind a legacy of strong Christian values that continue to shape the company.
October 2015: Largest Chick-fil-A Opens in Manhattan
Chick-fil-A opened its largest restaurant in October 2015, a three-story, 5,000-square-foot establishment located in Manhattan.
2016: Switch to McCann New York and New Ad Campaign
After over two decades with The Richards Group, Chick-fil-A changed its advertising agency to McCann New York in 2016 and launched a new campaign featuring historical figures promoting chicken for breakfast.
December 17, 2017: Chick-fil-A Opens on Sunday for Stranded Passengers
Breaking from its tradition of being closed on Sundays, a Chick-fil-A restaurant opened on December 17, 2017, to provide meals for passengers stranded at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport due to a power outage.
2017: Replacement of Dwarf Houses with Truett's Grills
Chick-fil-A began replacing some Dwarf House locations with Truett's Grill restaurants in 2017.
April 2018: Continued Donations Spark Criticism
Chick-fil-A faced renewed scrutiny in April 2018 for reportedly continuing its financial support of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an organization known for its opposition to same-sex marriage.
July 2018: Hawaii Expansion Announced
In July 2018, Chick-fil-A announced plans to open its inaugural Hawaiian restaurant in Kahului in early 2022, with additional locations planned for Honolulu and Kapoleo.
2018: Brief Stint in Edinburgh
Chick-fil-A had a temporary presence in Edinburgh during the spring of 2018.
2018: Most Popular Menu Items
In 2018, Chick-fil-A's most popular menu items were waffle fries, soft drinks, chicken nuggets, and the original chicken sandwich. The company's website provides a full menu and nutritional information for all of its products.
January 13, 2019: Chick-fil-A Opens on Sunday for a Birthday Wish
On January 13, 2019, a Chick-fil-A franchise in Mobile, Alabama, made an exception to its Sunday closure policy to fulfill the birthday wish of a 14-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and autism.
February 2019: Pilot Store in Aviemore, Scotland
Chick-fil-A opened a store in Aviemore, Scotland, in February 2019 as part of a 12-month pilot program.
May 2019: Chick-fil-A Implements Antibiotic-Free Chicken Nationwide
By May 2019, Chick-fil-A fulfilled its commitment to serving only chicken raised without antibiotics across all its restaurants nationwide.
September 6, 2019: Chick-fil-A Opens in Toronto
Chick-fil-A opened a restaurant in Toronto's Yonge and Bloor Street area on September 6, 2019, facing protests concerning animal rights and the company's stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
October 10, 2019: Chick-fil-A Returns to Europe
On October 10, 2019, Chick-fil-A made a comeback to Europe with a new store at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading, UK.
November 18, 2019: Chick-fil-A Announces Halt to Donations to Controversial Groups
Chick-fil-A president Tim Tassopoulos announced on November 18, 2019, that the company would stop donating to The Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, both of which have faced criticism for their stances on LGBTQ+ issues.
2019: The Chicken Sandwich Wars Begin
The introduction of a fried chicken sandwich by Popeyes in 2019, followed by other chains, sparked the "Chicken Sandwich Wars," a trend driven by competition with Chick-fil-A's popular sandwich.
2019: Calgary Airport Location Closes
Chick-fil-A's Calgary International Airport location, which opened in 2014, closed in 2019.
2019: Chick-fil-A Achieves Second Highest U.S. Sales
Chick-fil-A reported $11.3 billion in sales in the United States in 2019, placing it second only to McDonald's, which had $40.4 billion in sales that year.
2019: Chick-fil-A Adjusts Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
In 2019, Chick-fil-A began to soften its stance on same-sex marriage, marking a shift from its previous conservative position.
January 2020: Second Toronto Location Opens
In January 2020, Chick-fil-A opened its second restaurant in Toronto at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, as part of its expansion plan in the Greater Toronto Area.
January 2020: Closure of Aviemore Store Amidst Controversy
The Aviemore store closed in January 2020, earlier than planned, due to protests and controversy surrounding Chick-fil-A's past donations to organizations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights.
March 2020: Closure of Reading Store
The Reading Chick-fil-A store closed in March 2020 after a six-month pilot period. The Oracle, facing ongoing protests related to the chain's stance on LGBTQ+ issues, chose not to extend the lease.
2020: Chick-fil-A Tests Dipping Sauce Sales
In the spring of 2020, Chick-fil-A began a trial run of selling two of its dipping sauces in Florida supermarkets, with profits going towards a scholarship fund for employees.
2020: Focus on Diversity and New Charitable Initiatives
In 2020, Chick-fil-A appointed its first head of diversity and shifted its charitable focus towards education and hunger relief.
2021: Third Generation Leadership
By 2021, the third generation of the Cathy family was leading Chick-fil-A.
2021: Chick-fil-A Expands Further in Ontario
Chick-fil-A continued its expansion into other parts of Ontario in 2021, opening standalone restaurants with drive-throughs in Kitchener in August and Windsor in October.
2021: Dipping Sauce Sales Expand Nationwide
Due to the success of its trial run, Chick-fil-A expanded the sale of its dipping sauces to supermarkets nationwide in 2021.
March 3, 2022: First Puerto Rican Location Opens
Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in Puerto Rico on March 3, 2022, located in Bayamón.
October 2022: Salad Dressing Trial Begins
In October 2022, Chick-fil-A initiated a trial program to sell its salad dressings in supermarkets in the Cincinnati metropolitan area and parts of Tennessee.
2022: Chick-fil-A Opens in Boston
A decade after facing opposition from Boston's mayor, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the city in 2022.
2022: The Dwarf House Reopens After Remodeling
After undergoing renovations, the Dwarf House, the original Chick-fil-A restaurant, reopened in 2022.
2022: Chick-fil-A Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction
For the eighth consecutive year, Chick-fil-A was ranked as America's favorite fast-food chain in the 2022 American Customer Satisfaction Index.
2022: Chick-fil-A Tops Sales Per Restaurant
In 2022, Chick-fil-A achieved the highest average sales per restaurant among all fast-food chains in the United States, with $6.71 million, despite being open only six days a week.
February 13, 2023: First Non-Meat Sandwich Introduced
Chick-fil-A introduced its first-ever non-meat sandwich, a breaded cauliflower sandwich, on February 13, 2023, expanding its menu to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.
March 2023: Global Expansion Plans Revealed
CEO Andrew Cathy announced in March 2023 Chick-fil-A's plans to expand into Asia and Europe by 2026 and target five overseas markets by 2030.
May 2023: First Standalone Restaurant Closes
Chick-fil-A closed its first standalone restaurant in Greenbriar Mall, Atlanta, in May 2023, without disclosing a specific reason.
September 2023: UK Expansion Plans Announced
In September 2023, Chick-fil-A revealed plans to open five restaurants in the UK, starting in early 2025, with over $100 million in investments planned over the next decade.
2023: Salad Dressing Sales Go Nationwide
Following a successful trial, Chick-fil-A launched nationwide supermarket sales of its salad dressings in the spring of 2023.
2023: Two More Sauces Added to Supermarket Lineup
Chick-fil-A added two more dipping sauces to its supermarket product line in 2023, further expanding its retail presence.
March 2024: Chick-fil-A Shifts From "Antibiotic-Free" Chicken
In March 2024, Chick-fil-A announced a departure from its previous commitment to using only "antibiotic-free" chicken, marking a change in its sourcing practices.
2025: Projected Opening of UK Restaurants
Chick-fil-A aims to open its first five UK restaurants beginning in early 2025.
2026: Targeted Entry into Asia and Europe
Chick-fil-A plans to open restaurants in Asia and Europe by 2026.
2030: Expansion to Five Overseas Markets
By 2030, Chick-fil-A intends to have a presence in five international markets.