When will Chick-fil-A open in Portland?

Chick-fil-A plans to open in early 2026 at 9950 S.E. Stark St. The company has not posted a firm Chick-fil-A opening date yet. Investors should watch for permits, signage, and hiring events, which usually appear weeks ahead of soft-opening tests and final inspections.

Where is the new location and what is nearby?

The site is 9950 S.E. Stark St., near Mall 205 and 205 Place on Portland’s eastside. The corridor offers strong visibility, multi-tenant retail, and direct access to I-205. These features support steady daypart traffic and cross-shopping, which can help small-shop tenants and service businesses.

How could this affect the Portland fast food market?

A new Chick-fil-A often redistributes visits across chicken and burger chains. Expect sharper promotional activity, faster drive-thru investments, and digital loyalty pushes as rivals defend share. Initial lifts usually appear in lunch and weekend periods, with delivery and mobile pickup shaping order mix and ticket size.

What should investors monitor before and after opening?

Before opening, track permits, construction progress, and hiring fairs to time the launch window. After opening, watch vehicle counts, wait times, digital order penetration, ratings, and competitor pricing. For real estate, monitor occupancy, lease velocity, and rent spreads around Mall 205 as traffic normalizes.

Global Market Insights

Chick-fil-A’s Portland Return by 2026: December 24 Expansion Update

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

Chick-fil-A Portland is set for a comeback, with a restaurant planned at 9950 S.E. Stark St. in early 2026. This will be the brand’s first city location since 2003 and arrives earlier than prior expectations of 2027. For investors, the move signals resilient quick service demand, fresh competition for local chains, and new energy for the Mall 205 corridor. We explain the timeline, market impact, and what to watch for consumer footfall, delivery mix, and retail landlords into 2026 and 2027.