Chick-fil-A announces plans to expand in Puerto Rico

Chick-fil-A, Inc. will expand its long-term investment in Puerto Rico, expecting to grow from five to 20-25 restaurants by 2030. 

According to the company, the expansion on the islands will help stimulate the local economy by:  

• Creating entrepreneurship opportunities for Puerto Rican small business owners, who will serve as local Chick-fil-A^® Owners-Operators.
• Adding 75-120 jobs per restaurant location.
• Investing millions of dollars in construction costs per location, including creating job opportunities for up to 100 construction workers. 

“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,” said Paul Trotti, Vice President, International, for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “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 company’s planned trajectory on the islands is supported by a government tax decree allowing Chick-fil-A, Inc. to build restaurants in qualified opportunity zones. 

“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,” said Manuel Cidre, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. “This great news of their plans to expand to many other regions of the island fills us with joy, as they have proven to provide high-quality products and services, which has allowed them to achieve success in such a short time in Puerto Rico.” 

“At Chick-fil-A, serving others and caring for our communities is at the core of who we are,” added Mingo Burgos, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Reina del Sur in Ponce. “As a local Owner-Operator and small business owner, I’m excited by the opportunities for positive local impact that can come from these additional Chick-fil-A restaurants in Puerto Rico.”

Since the opening of the first Chick-fil-A location in Puerto Rico in 2022, the company says it has demonstrated its commitment to giving back across the islands in many ways: 

• Donating $200,000 to Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico in 2022 to celebrate Chick-fil-A’s entry into Puerto Rico.
• Partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico to sponsor 100 students in support of their education;
• Awarding two 2024 True Inspiration Awards^® grants, totaling $275,000, to Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico and Friends of Puerto Rico in support of youth initiatives;
• Donating surplus food from Chick-fil-A restaurants to local nonprofits to help feed those in need through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table^® program;
• Awarding the first Team Member scholarship ($2,500) in Puerto Rico; and
• Engaging in disaster relief efforts during times of need. 

Each Chick-fil-A restaurant is owned by a local Owner-Operator with a personal involvement in their business, focusing on building meaningful connections to their communities, investing in Team Member talent, while serving great-tasting food and providing a positive guest experience.

Chick-fil-A said it is currently accepting expressions of interest for individuals who are interested in becoming local Chick-fil-A franchise Owners-Operators in Puerto Rico.