Chick-fil-A, a popular yet controversial US chain, has announced plans to open two more Toronto locations.
The restaurant chain, which opened its first Canadian location in 2019, is known for their fast food fare, unmatched customer service and the company’s history of donations to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations, the latter of which has sparked countless protests and calls to boycott their presence in Toronto.
Still, the well-known fast food franchise has released plans for three new Canadian locations, two of which will be located in the Toronto area in the Scarborough Town Centre food court and near Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue in Downtown Toronto. The other location will open in the Kitchener, Ont. area.
Chick-fil-A is also keeping their word on original plans to expand widely in the Canadian market, noting in a press release that an additional 20 stores will open across Canada by the year 2025.
“We’re thrilled to continue growing in Canada by opening restaurants in Kitchener and Toronto,” said Anita Costello, executive vice president of Chick-fil-A International. “During these times, we're grateful for the positive response we continue to receive from our Canadian customers.”
Reception of the new Toronto locations have been split––while many are looking forward to them, some have expressed their grievances with the franchise and have denounced their expansion plans online.
Chick-fil-A currently operates two Canadian locations––the first location opened up in 2019 at Yonge and Bloor Streets before their second location at Yorkdale Mall shortly after at the beginning of 2020.
Both locations have been met with protests upon opening, but with the pandemic still lingering in Toronto, it’s unclear if they will continue for the new outposts.
