As The Cows Say, “Eat Mor Chikin Springfield, Ohio.”

Popular chicken chain Chick-Fil-A opened its first location in Springfield, Ohio, in November 2022. The first location between the Dayton and Columbus area, Chick-Fil-A brings a much-loved food business to the growing Springfield. 

Chick-fil-A receives hundreds of suggestions from customers on where they would like to see a new Chick-Fil-A open. Aligning with its corporate goals, selecting specific markets, and considering relevant business factors, Chick-Fil-A only opens a limited number of stores each year. In 2022, Springfield, Ohio was one of them and the owner’s story demonstrates how much opportunity there is in Springfield for entrepreneurs and people looking for career advancement. 

Journey from Hourly Employee to Owner/Operator

At 18, Chick-Fil-A Springfield’s Owner/Operator Cris Lopez, a Mexico City native, began with the company in 2012 as a team member in Georgia. He was inspired by the legacy of Truett Cathy and the Chick-Fil-A brand he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. After graduating from the University of North Georgia with a degree in business management, he joined the company’s leadership development program. 

In July 2022, Lopez was selected as the Owner/Operator of Chick-Fil-A Springfield, Ohio. After opening the location in Springfield, he remains confident that Chick-Fil-A could positively impact residents’ lives. “The community now has my heart,” said Cris Lopez. “I want to help the next generation of young adults chase their dreams, the same way Chick-Fil-A helped me when I was younger. I want to impact his community to become the best version of itself and create a space where all people can create memories.”

New Restaurants & Businesses Are Opening In Springfield

Economic development activities have created thousands of new jobs in Springfield, Ohio. Combined with development of the downtown area, hospitals, and distribution centers, this growth is creating opportunities for people to work in all types of industries and to grow their career in a community with endless growth potential. 

As Lopez looks to the future, he hopes for the continued success Chick-Fil-A has and the positive impact it will have on the community. “I hope to inspire the next generation of business leaders in Springfield,” explained Lopez. “Whether they work in my restaurant for one summer or five years, I want to help them reach their future goals. That is the legacy of Truett Cathy that I want to continue.” 

Chick-Fil-A Springfield, Ohio, serves as a place of restoration, hope, and a business that is much more than a chicken sandwich. As the cows say, “Eat Mor Chikin Springfield!”