Christian-owned restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has announced its expansion into the UK, with plans to open locations in London, Liverpool, Leeds, and Belfast.

Over the next two years, the company aims to establish five restaurants, creating around 400 jobs and using UK-sourced chicken, Faithwire reports.

Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, emphasised the company's commitment to serving local communities, stating, “We look forward to bringing Chick-fil-A’s delicious food and signature hospitality” to these cities.

The company plans to invest over $100 million (£76.5 million) in the UK, marking it as its first major international market.

In celebration of its expansion, Chick-fil-A will donate £25,000 to local nonprofits in each city.

The chain also encourages franchise owners to participate in its Shared Table program, which donates leftover food to local shelters and food banks. This initiative previously served more than 7 million meals across North America last year.

Expected opening dates for the new locations have not yet been announced.

Chick-fil-A previously opened a location in Reading in 2019, but it closed after six months due to protests from LGBTQ activists regarding comments made by the founder's son, referencing his Christian beliefs.