American fast-food company Chick-fil-A has submitted a formal planning application to open a new restaurant on Lord Street in Liverpool city centre. The proposal targets a unit within the historic, Grade-II listed building that formerly housed the Lord Street Arcade.
This move is part of the Atlanta-based chain's previously announced strategy to expand into the United Kingdom, with Liverpool being one of four key cities selected for its initial launch. The company has over 3,000 locations in North America but is now making a renewed effort to establish a presence in the UK.
Key Takeaways
- A planning application has been submitted for a Chick-fil-A restaurant at 81-89 Lord Street, a Grade-II listed building.
- The Liverpool site is part of a wider UK expansion plan aiming for five restaurants within two years.
- The proposal includes a new shopfront, external alterations, and illuminated signage.
- The company is actively engaging with local community groups in Liverpool to address past controversies regarding its charitable donations.
- Chick-fil-A has pledged a $25,000 donation to a local non-profit if the restaurant opens.
Proposed Design for Historic Lord Street Site
The planning documents outline significant changes to the ground-floor unit of the building at 81-89 Lord Street. The proposal details the installation of a new shopfront and signage on the main Lord Street elevation, along with alterations to the rear of the property which faces Button Street.
Architectural plans show that the new facade will feature large glazing panels, framed by St Bees red sandstone and red anodised aluminium cladding. This design aims to create a modern appearance while respecting the character of the historic building.
Two fully glazed entrance doors are planned, positioned at opposite ends of the shopfront to manage customer flow. The application also includes requests for three internally illuminated signs, which will display the "Chick-fil-A" brand name.
Building History
The proposed location, 81-89 Lord Street, is a Grade-II listed building. It was previously known as the Lord Street Arcade, a well-known shopping destination in the city centre before its closure.
Chick-fil-A's Renewed UK Expansion
This application marks a concrete step in Chick-fil-A's strategy to enter the UK market, a plan first detailed in 2024. The company, one of the largest fast-food operators in North America, announced its intention to open five restaurants in the UK within a two-year period.
Alongside Liverpool, the cities of London, Leeds, and Belfast were also identified as initial targets. At the time of the announcement, Chick-fil-A’s chief international officer, Anita Costello, stated that “serving communities is at the heart of everything” the company does.
Previous UK Ventures
This is not the company's first attempt to launch in the UK. Chick-fil-A previously operated short-lived branches in Reading, Berkshire, and in the Scottish Highlands. Both locations closed following protests and boycotts related to the company's historical charitable donations.
The chain's expansion into the UK will be its first permanent venture outside of North America and Puerto Rico, where it currently operates over 3,000 restaurants.
Addressing Community Concerns in Liverpool
Chick-fil-A has faced significant criticism in the past over donations made by its foundation to organisations with views considered to be anti-LGBT+. Protests from campaign groups were a major factor in the closure of its previous UK pop-up locations.
In response to these historical issues, the company has stated it is taking a proactive approach in Liverpool. A spokesperson confirmed that the company is working to “engage with the local community in Liverpool” to ensure its new venture is inclusive.
“We welcome guests from all backgrounds and we aim to have a positive impact on the communities we serve. We're to meet with various community groups so that we can provide an inclusive place for everyone.”
Changes in Charitable Giving
The company has clarified its position on past donations. It has confirmed that it no longer donates to the specific organisations that were the focus of the controversy, stating a multi-year commitment had been fulfilled. In 2020, the firm appointed its first head of diversity and shifted its charitable focus primarily to education and hunger alleviation.
Company Policies and Community Pledges
Founded in 1946 by Samuel Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A remains a family-managed business with strong Christian values. A key policy that will be implemented in the UK is the closure of all restaurants on Sundays to allow employees a day of rest and worship.
As part of its UK investment, Chick-fil-A has made several commitments to the local communities it plans to enter. These include:
- A one-off donation of $25,000 (£19,700) to a local non-profit organisation when a new restaurant opens.
- A programme to donate surplus food to local shelters, soup kitchens, and food charities to help tackle food waste and insecurity.
The planning application for the Lord Street site will now be reviewed by Liverpool City Council's planning department. A decision on whether to grant permission for the development will be made in the coming months.