US restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A eye up Edinburgh following recent successful pop-up

Popular US chicken restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A could be looking at Edinburgh as part of possible expansion plans following a successful pop-up event in the city.

Published 24th Apr 2018
Updated 9 th Aug 2023

Inviting fans to a special event at Akva on Fountainbrige on the 5th of April, fans of the firm were able to enjoy the signature Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and Waffle Fries.

With international expansion a possibility, the brand has already held these one-off pop-ups in three other cities across the UK in a bid to gauge interest.

Chick-Fil-A

People travelled from as far away as Liverpool to the pop-up event. Picture: Chick-Fil-A

Vice-president, international, Rich Matherne, said that Chick-Fil-A were really glad to be able to bring "a little of what they do best" to their Scottish fans and described Edinburgh as a "wonderful city".

When asked about the possibility of opening up permanently in the capital Mr Matherne said: "We are certainly interested in expansion beyond the 47 States we are located in the US.

"The pop-up here today in Edinburgh is our fourth in the UK in the past three years.

"We are really excited to explore different cities across the country including Edinburgh as a possible future location and showcase what Chick-fil-A has to offer.

"This is a great city and one that we would certainly want to be in, serving the Edinburgh community sometime in the future."

Mr Matherne added that Edinburgh was a "very attractive city" for the brand, and that it meets all the criteria they look for when opening a new store.

The brand is based in the US state of Georgia, has an an annual revenue of over $9 billion and currently has over 2,000 outlets in 47 states.

The US businessman isn't surprised that other big North American chains such as Denny’s, who are reportedly looking at the site of the former Ed’s Easy Diner premises at Fort Kinnaird, and Tim Horton’s, who have already opened a number of venues in Glasgow, are viewing Edinburgh as a possible location to open up new restaurants.

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"It’s important to understand how big brands have succeeded and how others haven’t. We know that the UK and Scotland specifically, is one of the most attractive and high priority locations for Chick-fil-A.

"We also believe there is a unique space in the market for the premium chicken quick-service restaurant experience we provide."

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Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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