Chick-fil-A is expanding its market presence with a new drive-thru-focused restaurant in Escondido. The new location is slated to open on April 9, 2026, bringing the brand’s signature menu to the region and a focus on quick service.
Drive-Thru Focused Chick-fil-A to Open in Escondido
Chick-fil-A is set to begin serving customers at 6 a.m. at its new restaurant at 515 W 13th Ave, Escondido. The location, known as Chick-fil-A Centre City, will create approximately 85 jobs in the area.
The restaurant will open Monday through Saturday between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Guests can order via drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, catering, or the brand’s Mobile Thru feature.
The location has been designed with high drive-thru efficiency and convenience, featuring a walk-up window for pickup orders and a patio with outdoor seating.
Chick-fil-A restaurants are known for their customer-oriented service and menu items like the Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, dishes made with whole chicken breast, and fresh ingredients.
To celebrate the grand opening, the restaurant staff is inviting the community members to celebrate the “Moove-In Party.” Any guest who comes to the restaurant on opening day dressed in a cow-themed costume or a cow-spotted accessory will get a free entrée or kids’ meal.
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Locally Owned and Committed to Escondido
Zach Thomas has been chosen as the local owner-operator of the new restaurant by the company, and he will be in charge of the daily operations.
Thomas joined Chick-fil-A Hollywood, CA, as a team member in 2018. During that time, he gained experience in restaurant operations and hospitality. Thomas is opening his first locally owned and operated restaurant in Escondido after completing the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program.
Thomas and Chick-fil-A are also intending to launch a number of projects to benefit the local community in addition to the establishment of the restaurant.
To mark the opening, Chick-fil-A will give a donation of $25,000 to Feeding San Diego to aid in combating hunger in the area. The restaurant will also be involved in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, where excess food is redistributed to local nonprofit groups.
The family-owned and privately held company was established in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy and, over the years, has expanded its operations globally. The new location marks another step in the company’s continued expansion across Southern California.
