When Was Chick-fil-A Established? A Closer Look at Its Origins in the USA and Expansion into Canada
👋 Hey food lovers! I’m Maria — your go-to food blogger from the U.S.
If you've ever enjoyed a chicken sandwich that felt like a warm hug or dipped those perfectly crispy waffle fries into Chick-fil-A Sauce, you’ve probably wondered: When did all of this deliciousness begin? 🤔
Today, I’m breaking down the history of Chick-fil-A’s founding, its rise in the United States, and its growing presence in Canada. Whether you’re a foodie, a fast-food fanatic, or just love fun brand facts, this story’s for you.
🗓️ When Was Chick-fil-A Established?
✅ Chick-fil-A was officially established in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
That year marks the opening of the first Chick-fil-A restaurant inside Greenbriar Mall. However, the story actually begins way earlier—back in 1946—with a humble diner and one revolutionary chicken idea.
🍔 The True Origins: Dwarf Grill (1946)
Before the Chick-fil-A brand was born, founder S. Truett Cathy opened a small diner called the Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House) in Hapeville, Georgia, in 1946.
It was here that Cathy invented the original chicken sandwich that would later become Chick-fil-A’s signature item. Using a pressure cooker and peanut oil, he created a juicy, perfectly seasoned boneless chicken breast sandwich served on a buttered bun with pickles—and the rest is crispy, golden history.
🛍️ The First Chick-fil-A Restaurant (1967)
In 1967, Cathy launched the first official Chick-fil-A location at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta. It was one of the first quick-service restaurants in a shopping mall—an innovative move at the time.
This marked the true beginning of the Chick-fil-A brand as we know it:
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Chicken-focused
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Family-friendly
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Exceptional service
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Closed on Sundays 🕊️ (a value-driven decision still honored today)
From that one store, the brand quickly grew across malls and standalone locations in the U.S.
Chick-fil-A’s Growth in the United States
Over the decades, Chick-fil-A blossomed into one of America’s top fast-food chains. As of 2025, it operates over 3,000 restaurants across the United States and is ranked among the highest in customer satisfaction nationwide.
Key milestones:
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📦 1986: First standalone Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in Atlanta.
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📊 2000s: Rapid expansion with drive-thru and freestanding restaurants.
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🚗 2010s–2020s: Chick-fil-A becomes a household name with massive success in the U.S. QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry.
It became known not only for its food, but for its values: kindness, community involvement, and consistent quality.
When Did Chick-fil-A Come to Canada?
After decades of U.S. success, Chick-fil-A officially entered the Canadian market in 2019 with its first restaurant opening in Toronto, Ontario.
📍 Canada Establishment Date: September 6, 2019 – Chick-fil-A’s first Canadian location opened at 1 Bloor Street East, Toronto.
Since then, Chick-fil-A has expanded to several cities in Canada, including:
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Mississauga
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Kitchener
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Windsor
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Edmonton
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Calgary (coming soon)
Though smaller in scale compared to the U.S., Chick-fil-A Canada is steadily growing—and introducing Canadians to its beloved southern-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
🍁 Key Differences Between U.S. and Canada Launches
| Feature | USA (1967) | Canada (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| First Location | Greenbriar Mall, Atlanta | Bloor Street, Toronto |
| Concept Start | 1946 (Dwarf Grill) | 2019 (Direct brand launch) |
| Menu Similarity | Original & full | Mostly same, some item variations |
| Expansion Pace | Rapid post-2000s | Moderate, still growing |
🧠 Fun Facts You’ll Love
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🍗 Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwich predates the actual Chick-fil-A brand!
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⛪ Chick-fil-A is famously closed on Sundays to allow employees time for rest, worship, or family.
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🐄 The “Eat Mor Chikin” cows weren’t introduced until 1995, but they became global mascots.
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💬 Despite controversy during its Canadian debut, Chick-fil-A has since built a steady and loyal fan base in Canadian cities.
📍 Find Chick-fil-A Locations Near You
Whether you're in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, or Edmonton, finding your nearest Chick-fil-A is easy:
👉 Use the Chick-fil-A Restaurant Finder to explore nearby stores, new openings, and menu availability.
🗣️ Final Thoughts from Maria – Food Blogger & Chicken Enthusiast
So, when was Chick-fil-A established?
✅ 1946 – The chicken sandwich was born.
✅ 1967 – The first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in the USA.
✅ 2019 – Chick-fil-A landed in Canada.
From a post-war diner in Georgia to bustling Toronto city streets, Chick-fil-A has grown into a brand recognized for its crispy chicken, warm hospitality, and strong values.
Whether you’re enjoying a biscuit breakfast in Alberta or craving nuggets in Atlanta, one thing’s for sure: Chick-fil-A’s journey is just getting started. 🍗🌍
🙌 Like, Share & Comment!
💬 When did YOU first try Chick-fil-A—USA or Canada?
👍 Like this post if you love waffle fries!
🔁 Share it with fellow chicken fans and brand history buffs.
Until next time, keep it crispy and kind!
—Maria, your favorite food blogger from the USA 🇺🇸🐔
