Liverpool entrepreneur to open city’s first franchise for US fast food giant Chick-fil-A in an investment that will create up to 110 jobs – but no one will work on Sundays. Tony McDonough reports
US fast food giant Chick-fil-A operates more than 3,000 restaurants around the world and is set to open its first in Liverpool.
On Thursday, August 27, Liverpool entrepreneur David Pritchard will open the city’s first Chick-fil-A franchise at 85 Lord Street in the city centre. The venue will eventually employ between 90 and 110 people.
This only be the brand’s third location in the UK following openings in Leeds and Kingston. As an independent owner, David will lead the restaurant’s operations, hire local people, as well as build partnerships with local organisations and charities within the community.
Chick-fil-A, which operates in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Singapore, is best known for its signature chicken Sandwich made with a whole boneless breast of chicken and hand-breaded throughout the day.
It will also offer its hand-squeezed lemonade, milkshakes, freshly prepared salads and grilled chicken options. It will open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm.
Nearly 15 years ago, while on holiday in Florida with his family, David had his first taste of Chick-fil-A and witnessed the brand’s signature hospitality firsthand. The care and attention he received stuck with him throughout his career.
Bringing extensive hospitality and leadership experience to his restaurant, David has developed teams, led operations and supported the growth of some of the UK’s best-known brands throughout his career.
“Chick-fil-A has always been more than just a restaurant to me – it’s a culture of service that I’ve carried with me for years,” said David.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to finally bring that experience to the city I love. It’s about more than just serving great food; it’s about sharing a piece of what inspired me and giving back to the community that raised me.”
The restaurant will be closed on Sundays, a tradition that dates back to Chick-fil-A’s founder, Truett Cathy, who wanted to give his team members a day off “to do what they love”. He opened the first outlet in 1967.
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Committed to creating a positive local impact, David will participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table programme, a food donation programme to help fight food insecurity and support “Liverpudlians in need”.
Chick-fil-A opened its first locally-owned restaurant in Leeds in 2025 as part of the company’s commitment to open five restaurants in the UK in the first two years, while investing more than $(US)100m here in the next 10 years.