Expansion in Mankato and the Greater Twin Cities to Create More Than 500 Jobs and Provide $125K in Support to Local Food Banks
MINNEAPOLIS (July 8, 2026) – From the Twin Cities to communities across Southern and Central Minnesota, Chick-fil-A® is furthering its investment in the North Star State with five new locally owned and operated restaurants set to open by the end of 2028. The restaurants will create more than 500 jobs, and the company will donate $125,000 to local food banks to celebrate the openings.
Regional Growth
Since opening its first Minnesota restaurant in 2005, Chick-fil-A has expanded its presence across the state, bringing its signature hospitality and freshly prepared food to Guests served at its 27 restaurants. Building on this momentum, Chick-fil-A plans to open new, locally owned and operated restaurants in several communities, including:
- Mankato: The first standalone restaurant in the market is expected to open this summer, marking growth in Southern Minnesota.
- Twin Cities Metro: Expansion continues with restaurants planned in Shakopee and Stillwater in late 2026, followed by Woodbury in 2028.
- Central Minnesota: A new restaurant in Baxter, slated to open in 2027, will mark the brand’s first location in the region.
“Minnesota is home to thriving local businesses and people who care deeply about their neighbors,” said Brent Townsend, Sr. Area Director, Midwest Region. “Our expansion is about so much more than just opening restaurants. By empowering local Owner-Operators as independent small business owners, we’re investing in people and communities – creating jobs, building trusted gathering spaces and serving neighbors both in and out of the restaurant.”
Caring for the Minnesota Community
Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators in Minnesota are passionate about showing care to the communities they serve.
- Creating Job Opportunities: The expansion will create an estimated 500 jobs offering competitive pay, flexible schedules and hands-on training.
- Developing Future Leaders: Chick-fil-A empowers Minnesota-based Team Members, having awarded more than 900 Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarships to Team Members across the state. Additionally, local Owner-Operators sponsor Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ at five schools statewide to teach students leadership and community service.
- Awarding Nonprofit Grants: Chick-fil-A, Inc. has awarded $360,000 to local organizations through its True Inspiration Awards® program.
- Feeding America Partnership: With the opening of the new Mankato location, Chick-fil-A‘s total contributions to Feeding America partners across Minnesota will reach $250,000 to since 2020.
- Redirecting Surplus Food: All 27 Minnesota-based Chick-fil-A restaurants participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, helping create more than 430,000 meals for local nonprofits since 2017.
- Local Ownership: Chick-fil-A is committed to fostering local ownership and economic mobility by empowering individuals to run their own businesses and contribute to their community. To learn more about becoming a local Owner-Operator in Minnesota, visit
www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including Shared Table, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and Chick-fil-A Press Room.
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