Chick-fil-A has revealed a major expansion plan for Ohio, announcing on Monday that it intends to open between 25 and 30 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027. The expansion will not only increase the presence of the popular fast-food chain but will also bring with it an estimated 3,000 new full-time and part-time jobs for Ohio residents. Company leaders emphasized that Ohio’s growing communities and its history of hard work and hospitality have made it an ideal place for long-term investment, continuing a relationship with the state that has lasted for more than four decades.
The chain has already made notable progress this year with the opening of a drive-thru location in April at 680 Polaris Parkway in Westerville. Another restaurant is nearing completion in Groveport at 4201 South Hamilton Road, and additional locations are expected to arrive soon in Athens, Whitehall, Hilliard, Lancaster, and Marysville. These sites represent the beginning of a broad statewide push that will see the company reach further into both metropolitan and suburban markets.
Leaders at Chick-fil-A explained that Ohio’s diverse mix of bustling cities, suburban neighborhoods, and traditional communities made the state a perfect environment for expansion. The Midwest area director, Omar Dione, highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and sense of hospitality that Ohioans bring to their communities, pointing to these qualities as the backbone of why the chain is choosing to strengthen its presence in the region. The company also views its expansion as an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to serving local families and supporting regional economies through new job opportunities and community investment.
Beyond the Columbus area, the expansion plan is set to bring several new restaurants to Cincinnati and surrounding suburbs. Later this fall, residents of Madisonville, West Chester, and Middletown will see new Chick-fil-A locations open, while a site at Miami University’s Armstrong Student Center will also begin serving students and staff. Looking ahead, the company confirmed that Corryville will soon gain its own location, with additional growth expected across northern Kentucky, extending the reach of Chick-fil-A’s regional network.
The Cleveland and Akron region is also preparing to welcome a wave of new Chick-fil-A openings. Alliance and North Canton locations are scheduled to launch this fall, while upcoming plans include restaurants in Downtown Cleveland, Broadview Heights, Aurora, Akron, Stow, Streetsboro, and New Philadelphia. In addition, Dayton is expected to receive a new restaurant in the Fairborn neighborhood in the coming years. The expansion will even extend into northwest Ohio, with plans set for Oregon and Findlay by 2026, marking a steady push into new corners of the state that currently lack strong Chick-fil-A representation.
Like the majority of the chain’s existing restaurants, these new Ohio establishments will be operated under Chick-fil-A’s unique franchising model. The company’s approach has allowed it to grow to more than 3,000 restaurants spread across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Ohio currently has around 80 Chick-fil-A restaurants, but the addition of up to 30 more over the next three years would significantly expand its footprint in both urban and rural markets.
This strategic expansion comes at a time when Ohio continues to attract businesses looking to invest in the state’s future. Chick-fil-A’s decision to prioritize Ohio highlights not just consumer demand but also the state’s reputation as a thriving hub for business, education, and community life. For local residents, the opening of new restaurants means more access to the brand’s popular chicken sandwiches and hospitality-driven service, while for job seekers it represents thousands of employment opportunities across various regions of the state.
By 2027, Ohioans from Cincinnati to Cleveland and from Dayton to Columbus will find it even easier to enjoy Chick-fil-A as the chain spreads its presence into more neighborhoods and towns. With a mix of new suburban drive-thrus, campus-based dining locations, and restaurants in growing downtown areas, the company is shaping its expansion to serve a broad range of communities. Whether in busy city centers or quieter suburban hubs, the expansion is positioned to strengthen the company’s long-standing relationship with Ohio.
Chick-fil-A’s announcement also underlines a broader trend of restaurant chains targeting Ohio for growth, attracted by its population diversity and central location within the Midwest. For Chick-fil-A, which has been present in Ohio for 45 years, this move reinforces its commitment to the state while signaling confidence in future consumer demand. As more locations open in the coming months and years, the company’s expansion promises to reshape the fast-food landscape across Ohio, delivering new dining options, job opportunities, and community connections throughout the state.
