COLUMBUS, Ohio — Chick-fil-A® is set to expand its presence in Ohio with 25-30 new locally owned and operated restaurants by the end of 2027, creating up to 3,000 full- and part-time jobs across the state. Among the new locations, Groveport and Lancaster are highlighted as key additions, reflecting the chain’s commitment to serving Central Ohio communities.
The growth builds on Chick-fil-A’s 45-year history in Ohio, starting with its first restaurant in Cleveland in 1979. Today, with over 80 locations statewide, the company is accelerating its expansion. In Central Ohio, a new restaurant opened in Westerville in April 2025, with Groveport slated to welcome its own Chick-fil-A by year’s end. Lancaster is also on the list for future development, alongside planned openings in Athens, Whitehall, Hilliard, and Marysville. This expansion underscores the brand’s focus on bringing its signature hospitality and menu to more Buckeye State residents.
The broader rollout includes new restaurants in Cincinnati, Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Dayton, and Northwest Ohio. Cincinnati will see three openings this fall in Madisonville, West Chester, and Middletown/Franklin, while Cleveland-area locations are planned for Alliance and North Canton. Dayton’s Fairborn and Northwest Ohio’s Oregon and Findlay are also in the pipeline for 2026.“Ohio’s vibrant cities and close-knit communities make it the Heart of it All,” said Omar Dione, Area Director for the Midwest Region. “We’re honored to serve Ohioans and look forward to creating more opportunities through our local Owner-Operators and Team Members.”Chick-fil-A’s unique franchise model drives this growth, with each restaurant owned and operated by a dedicated individual who works alongside their team. The company is actively seeking entrepreneurial candidates for franchise opportunities, with details available on its Franchising page.
Beyond job creation, Chick-fil-A is committed to community care. The brand has awarded $75,000 in nonprofit grants through its True Inspiration Awards® program and donated $525,000 to Feeding America since 2020 to combat hunger. Through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, Ohio Owner-Operators have redirected surplus food to create over 1.6 million meals since 2020. Additionally, more than $4 million in scholarships have been granted to Ohio Team Members via the Remarkable Futures™ Scholarships initiative since 2020, while the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy supports leadership development for 25 local schools.
As Chick-fil-A expands, the Groveport and Lancaster stores are poised to become community hubs, offering jobs and support while delivering the brand’s renowned food and service. For more information, visit chick-fil-a.com.
