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Is Chick-fil-A outgrowing the mall format it helped pioneer?

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October 1, 2026

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Chick-fil-A built its early success in mall food courts, but a string of longtime mall closures suggests the chain's restaurant strategy is evolving. According to an article in The Street, Chick-fil-A closed its Arbor Place Mall restaurant in Georgia after nearly 27 years in business there. The move follows other mall closures in Georgia and Pennsylvania where locations have been in operation for up to 40 years.

Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A continues to expand standalone restaurants that can accommodate drive-thru, mobile ordering, pickup and delivery. The company hasn't announced plans to abandon malls — and still operates food-court locations — but the closures point to a changing mix of restaurants.