New $58M Chick-fil-A supply and distribution center near Charlotte to bring over 110 jobs
The popular Southern chicken chain Chick-fil-A is investing $58.3 million to open a distribution center that will create more than 110 jobs in Kannapolis.
Chick-fil-A Supply, a subsidiary of Chick-fil-A Inc. and distribution service provider of the Atlanta-based chain’s restaurants, will open a 120,000-square-foot distribution center in Rowan County to serve about 100 restaurants in the Charlotte region, Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement Tuesday.
The facility is expected to open in the third quarter of next year.
The Chik-fil-A Supply project will create 112 over five years, with 85 of those jobs coming in the first two years of operation, according to the city of Kannapolis.
The center will be in Lakeshore Corporate Park. The park, developed by Fortius Capital Partners, stands on the property that was once home to the former Kannapolis Intimidators minor league baseball team.
About Chick-fil-A plans in Kannapolis
New jobs will include drivers, managers, office staff and warehouse personnel.
The average annual wage is about $58,574, which exceeds the Rowan County average of $50,138, according to the governor’s office release. Kannapolis is in parts of Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
“Chick-fil-A Supply is committed to investing in local communities like Kannapolis to create jobs and grow our supply chain operation,” Josh Grote, executive director of Chick-fil-A Supply, said in a statement. Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant, in welcoming the company to the city, said he expected the move would have “an immediate positive impact.”
For its investment, Chick-fil-A will receive a cash-grant of $200,000 from the One North Carolina Fund. Chick-fil-A Supply must create 82 jobs to receive the grant payments.
Chick-fil-A Supply operates four distribution centers, including a 180,000-square-foot distribution center in Mebane.
Known for its chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A has grown to be one of the nation’s highest-volume quick service restaurants since opening in 1967. Chick-fil-A Supply ensures restaurants have the food and products they need.
Chicken competition in Charlotte
Chick-fil-A’s latest move is in the backyard of the iconic chicken-and-biscuit chain Bojangles, based in Charlotte.
Bojangles recently moved its headquarters to a larger space at 500 Forest Point Circle. Bojangles, which opened in 1977 in Charlotte, has opened or plans to open nearly 130 stores with debuts in Ohio, New York, Texas, Illinois and Arkansas.
And both chains are seeing heated competition from other
▪ Arkansas-based Slim Chickens has opened two stores this year in Fort Mill, S.C., and Monroe/Indian Trail area. The fast-casual chain debuted in North Carolina in March 2022 at 5535 Prosperity Ridge Road in Charlotte.
▪ Los Angeles-based chicken chain Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its second Charlotte store in February at 8932 J.M. Keynes Drive in University City. The fast-casual chain opened its first Charlotte store in September at 1300 The Plaza in Plaza Midwood.
▪ Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar opened on East McCullough Drive in February in the former Total Wine & More spot. The first Harold’s Chicken Shack restaurant opened 72 years ago on Chicago’s South side.
▪ Former NASCAR CEO Brian France opened Summerbird in South End in August 2022.
This story was originally published September 19, 2023 at 10:29 AM with the headline "New $58M Chick-fil-A supply and distribution center near Charlotte to bring over 110 jobs."