Chick-fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food chains in North America, made famous by its spicy chicken sandwiches, crispy waffle fries, and unique Sunday closure policy. According to its website, the family-run company currently operates more than 3,000 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, many of which attract long lines and a devout fanbase. However, there are still two states where customers can’t get their hands on a boneless meal — Alaska and Vermont.
Chick-fil-A was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy in Atlanta, Georgia. Truett and his family quickly built the brand into a Southern staple, expanding into other states in the late 1970s and opening its corporate headquarters in 1984. By 2013, it was the top chicken chain in the nation, according to a report by Janney Capital Markets. The success continued, with the first New York City location opening in 2015 and the first Los Angeles outpost opening three years later. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to launch in the UK and Singapore by the end of 2025. Yet, no openings have been slated for a Chick-fil-A in Alaska or Vermont, leaving many wondering why.
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Why Don’t Alaska And Vermont Have A Chick-Fil-A?
A mascot wears a sign with Chick-fil-A’s slogan ‘Eat Mor Chikin’ written on it – Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images
There are suggestions that Chick-fil-A hasn’t opened a restaurant in Vermont because of a legal issue with a local artist. As outlined in news articles from 2011, screen printer Bo Muller-Moore, also known as Bo Muller-Moore, tried to trademark the phrase “Eat More Kale” for his T-shirt business. Chick-fil-A filed a claim that the phrase could be confused with its famous “Eat Mor Chikin” slogan and a years-long battle ensued. Many Vermont residents rallied behind Moore, with former state Governor Peter Shumlin even holding a press conference on the topic in 2012. Moore was granted the trademark in 2014, and there’s been no word of a Chick-fil-A opening in Vermont since.
Of course, the reason could also be pinpointed to the state’s low population. As of 2024, Vermont was home to just over 647,000 people, making it the third least-populated state. Alaska, with 733,536 residents, has the next smallest population, which might explain why there isn’t a Chick-fil-A in Alaska yet.
The appetite for one is certainly there. There’s a dedicated Facebook group called “Anchorage Needs Chick-fil-A” and a petition on Change.org calling for a Chick-fil-A has over 600 signatures. However, the company said in a January 2023 post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there were no immediate plans to open in Alaska and that “multiple factors” must be considered when selecting new locations. So, it looks like some people might need to get their fix from America’s other top fried chicken restaurants for the time being.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
