N.C. Officials Announce Chick-fil-A Distribution Center

[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper welcomed news that Chick-fil-A Supply, a subsidiary of Chick-fil-A Inc., will invest $58.3 million to build a distribution center, creating more than 112 jobs, including for truck drivers.

“Chick-fil-A’s expansion is good for Kannapolis along with Rowan and surrounding counties,” Cooper said recently. “We appreciate their vote of confidence in North Carolina and the strength of our workforce and infrastructure.”

Chick-fil-A Supply will open the facility in Lakeshore Corporate Park in Kannapolis, where 85 jobs will be available in the first two years and 27 positions over the next five years.

New positions will include drivers, warehouse personnel, managers and office staff.

Chick-fil-A knows North Carolina’s diverse, educated, well-trained workforce makes it the best place to do business. Their $58.3 million investment for a new facility will bring good-paying jobs to the Rowan County area.https://t.co/0vJq2HYZdk

— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) September 19, 2023

Chick-fil-A spokesperson Sarah Lively told Transport Topics, “We create jobs that offer competitive compensation and benefits, comprehensive training and professional development opportunities, high-end equipment and an in-house fleet maintenance team. We do our best to help honor the time employees spend with their families — from opportunities to be home daily for our transportation team to predictable scheduling in our warehouse.”

She encouraged truck drivers and others to apply on the Chick-fil-A Supply website. The company plans to open more distribution centers to enhance its supply chain.

“For the remaining part of 2023, Chick-fil-A Supply plans to open distribution centers in Cleveland, Ohio and Kansas City, Kan.,” Lively said, adding that two new distribution centers will be opened next year in Dallas and Selma, Texas, near San Antonio.

“While we don’t have exact job numbers for each Chick-fil-A Supply location, we typically create between 45 and 250 total jobs at a new distribution center depending on its size. That range includes jobs created for drivers,” she added.

Although Chick-fil-A Supply wages in Kannapolis will vary by position, the average annual wage is estimated at $58,574, which is higher than the $50,138 average yearly salary in Rowan County.

“North Carolina has the fourth-largest food and beverage industry in the United States and is within a day’s drive of 150 million customers,” said Machelle Baker Sanders, state secretary of commerce. “When well-known companies like Chick-fil-A reinvest in North Carolina, it affirms our reputation as the best state to do business.”

The governor’s office predicted that the new jobs could create for the region an annual payroll impact of more than $4.8 million.

“We look forward to growing our Chick-fil-A Supply family in North Carolina and know they will complete deliveries with care to serve our franchise operators, licensees and team members,” said Josh Grote, executive director of Chick-fil-A Supply. “Chick-fil-A Supply is committed to investing in local communities like Kannapolis to create jobs and grow our supply chain operation.”

The new 120,000-square-foot distribution center is expected to open in the third quarter next year.

Government officials provided financial incentives to encourage Chick-fil-A to expand its footprint in the state.

State Sen. Paul Newton remarked, “These new jobs and investments will be great additions to our community, and it’s part of our mission to help them grow.”

A $200,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund was awarded to Chick-fil-A Supply, which must create 82 jobs. The state fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and create jobs but requires them to provide matching participation. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.

The state Department of Commerce, on behalf of the governor, administers the grants, which are awarded based on number of jobs created, corporate investment levels, project location, economic impact and importance to the state and region.

“We appreciate the collaboration of local and state partners that recruited such an outstanding company to the region,” said state Rep. Kevin Crutchfield.

“It is extremely convenient for trucking transportation. It is literally right off the I-85 corridor at Lane Street. It is minutes outside of metro Charlotte and between the Charlotte Douglas Airport and Greensboro Triad Airport,” said Annette Privette Keller, Kannapolis city’s communications director.

According to the city, the new distribution center will be located on the site of the former Kannapolis Intimidators’ ballpark and will handle functions ranging from warehousing critical restaurant supplies to ensuring timely deliveries and providing operational support.

“Chick-fil-A, a beloved American company and a name that resonates with so many, choosing to establish their distribution center here is a testament to Rowan County’s growing appeal to major employers,” said Greg Edds, county commission chairman. “It’s an honor and a thrill to welcome such a significant investment from a brand everyone knows and loves to our county.”