Chick-fil-A Opens in Kingston
On March 5, 2026, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in Kingston, London, located at 90 Eden Street. This event marked a significant moment for the fast-food chain, which has previously faced backlash in the UK.
Prior to the opening, Peter Tatchell, a prominent LGBT+ rights activist, led a protest against the restaurant. Tatchell expressed concerns over Chick-fil-A’s history of funding organizations that oppose LGBT+ rights. He stated, “We have been unable to secure assurances that Chick-fil-A will not, in the future, fund homophobic organisations that campaign against LGBT+ human rights.”
The protests were not unexpected, as Chick-fil-A has a controversial history regarding its charitable donations. The company has previously faced protests for funding anti-LGBT+ organizations in the United States, which has led to heightened scrutiny of its operations in the UK.
Despite the protests, many customers were eager to experience the new location. Some began queuing as early as 6:45 AM to be among the first to enter the restaurant. The first 100 guests were treated to free food and merchandise, a promotional strategy aimed at generating excitement.
Chick-fil-A’s Kingston restaurant operates from 10 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and remains closed on Sundays. This schedule aligns with the company’s traditional practice in the U.S., where it also closes on Sundays.
In a bid to address some community concerns, Chick-fil-A announced a donation of £25,000 to Moving on Together, an organization that supports individuals affected by addiction and hunger. This move was likely an attempt to demonstrate a commitment to local issues.
During the opening, Chelsea Lee, a representative from Chick-fil-A, expressed enthusiasm about the new location, stating, “We are thrilled to be here in Kingston and see so many people queueing up for the opening.” This sentiment reflects the company’s hope to establish a positive presence in the community.
Chick-fil-A’s previous attempt to enter the UK market in 2019 ended abruptly when a restaurant in Reading closed after just eight days due to similar protests. The reopening in Kingston is a pivotal moment for the company, as it seeks to navigate the complex landscape of public opinion regarding its corporate values.
The current state of affairs indicates a divided response to Chick-fil-A’s presence in Kingston, with supporters welcoming the restaurant while activists continue to voice their concerns. The ongoing dialogue around the company’s funding practices and its impact on the LGBT+ community remains a critical issue.
