LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michiganders need to get ready for a new wave of waffle fries, macaroni and cheese, nuggets and chicken sandwiches because Chick-fil-A has announced a massive expansion plan, aiming to open 25 to 30 new locations across the Great Lakes State by the end of 2028.
Yes, the chicken empire is spreading its wings, creating over 2,500 jobs in the process. So for those who have been dreaming of a career in deep-fried hospitality, a golden opportunity might just be right around the corner – or at least down the freeway.
From Lansing to Ann Arbor – coming soon to a traffic jam near you.
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The new locations will be scattered across Michigan, from the bustling Detroit/Ann Arbor area to quieter spots like Benton Harbor and the Flint-Saginaw region. And for all you Mid-Michigan fans, Chick-fil-A is throwing you a bone – or more accurately, a chicken sandwich – with two new spots slated for the Lansing/Jackson area in 2025.
The current 28 locations in the state already employ up to 120 people each but these new digs are expected to super-size that employment figure faster than you can say “extra pickles, please.”
Chick-fil-A’s playbook: local operators, philanthropy and no Sundays.
Chick-fil-A isn’t just bringing more chicken and jobs to the table – it’s also bringing local charm and philanthropy. According to their website, “As part of the Chick-fil-A Remarkable FuturesTM Scholarships initiative, Chick-fil-A has awarded $1,173,000 worth of scholarships to Team Members in Michigan since 2017 to support continued education.”
The new restaurants will also be locally owned and operated – plus the chain’s well-known generosity continues with a $25,000 donation to Feeding America each time a new restaurant opens. That’s a lot of chicken nuggets going toward a good cause even if those nuggets are controversial in some circles.
The controversy has to do with the Christian principles of the founder and the company’s owners which include not having the restaurants open on Sundays. This is something that many chicken fans find infuriating as they pull into a deserted Chick-fil-A drive-thru at the end of the weekend, leaving their cravings unsatisfied.
However, the no-Sundays policy is probably not changing anytime in the near future. Sundays are for family time and worshipping, not chicken, says the company. Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy, the Atlanta-based chain has always held firm on this point, despite operating more than 3,000 locations across 48 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The website says, “Our founder, S. Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946. He knew what it was like to work seven days a week in restaurants, so he saw the importance of letting his employees set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose. That’s a practice we still uphold today.”
Love them or hate them, Chick-fil-A is here to stay.
Whether you’re cheering for more chicken sandwiches smothered in Chick-fil-A sauce or groaning at the prospect of sitting in long drive-thru lines, Chick-fil-A’s Michigan expansion is happening. For fans, it’s a win. For critics, well, there’s always the option of not going. But one thing’s clear: this isn’t just about chicken; it’s about jobs, community involvement, and a little slice of the South moving further north, with more and more of their red and white logos popping up in towns all across Michigan.
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