Chick-fil-A returns to Portland for the first time in 22 years with a new Southeast location opening in early 2026. The beloved chicken restaurant will finally bring its signature menu back to the city limits after more than two decades of absence. Located near Mall 205, this expansion marks a major victory for fast-food fans in the Pacific Northwest.
🔥 Quick Facts
- New location at 9950 S.E. Stark Street near Mall 205 in Portland
- Opening scheduled for early 2026 pending any delays
- This will be Portland’s first Chick-fil-A location within city limits since 2003
- Local owner-operator Austin Morrow will lead the Southeast Portland restaurant
Chick-fil-A’s 22-Year Absence from Portland Ends
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Portland’s last Chick-fil-A closed its doors in 2003 when the chain shuttered its location in the Lloyd Center food court. That 22-year gap is finally ending with this new Southeast Portland outpost. The announcement comes after months of planning and construction at the 9950 S.E. Stark Street location, which sits near 205 Place shopping area.
The Georgia-based chicken chain has been strategically expanding its Oregon presence since early 2025. The company currently operates 17 restaurants across Oregon, with locations in Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego. Two additional locations serve customers in nearby Vancouver, Washington.
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The Southeast Portland Chick-fil-A will transform a controversial property that previously operated as an adult entertainment venue. Construction crews have been actively working at the site since at least April 2025, according to local reports. The city of Portland approved plans for the development last year, clearing the way for the startup.
The new 4,991 square foot building will feature 98 indoor seats for guests, with outdoor canopies and 12 patio seats for warm-weather dining. The design sits between S.E. Stark and S.E. Washington Streets, aligned at S.E. 99th Avenue. This marks a strategic revival of a location that the community previously questioned.
Broader Pacific Northwest Expansion Strategy
| State | New Locations Planned | Timeline |
| Oregon | 6 new restaurants | By early 2027 |
| Washington | 9 new restaurants | By early 2027 |
Chick-fil-A’s commitment to the Pacific Northwest extends well beyond Portland. The company announced plans to open 6 total restaurants across Oregon by early 2027, creating over 600 job opportunities statewide. Pending Oregon locations include sites in Cornelius, Tigard, and Wood Village alongside the Portland flagship.
Washington state sees even more aggressive expansion with 9 new restaurants planned by early 2027. Cities targeted for Washington growth include Bellingham, Bremerton, Burlington, Everett, and Shoreline. Combined, the Pacific Northwest expansion represents a corporate commitment of over 900 new jobs across both states.
Local Leadership and Community Impact
Austin Morrow has been selected as the owner-operator to lead Portland’s Chick-fil-A location. This local leadership model follows the company’s franchise philosophy of empowering individual operators within their communities. Morrow will oversee hiring, daily operations, and community engagement for the Southeast Portland restaurant.
When new Chick-fil-A locations open, the company honors 100 community heroes with free chicken sandwiches for an entire year. Portland residents can expect similar celebration strategies as the restaurant approaches its grand opening. The restaurant will create significant employment opportunities for the local Southeast Portland community.
What Does the Portland Return Mean for Chicken Lovers?
After 22 years without a local option, Portland’s Chick-fil-A fans can finally enjoy the chain’s famous chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and Chick-n-Minis without traveling to suburbs like Gresham or Beaverton. The new Southeast location offers convenient access for customers in the 99th and Stark area near Mall 205. Early 2026 cannot arrive soon enough for loyal palates eager to return to the brand.
The company’s menu features signature items including the Classic Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, and Chicken Tenders. Seasonal offerings like Cherry Berry drinks and limited-time sandwiches create atmosphere around new launches. With construction already underway and plans approved, the countdown to Portland’s Chick-fil-A revival officially begins.
Patrick Graham is a business and finance journalist translating Wall Street’s complexities into stories that matter to everyday readers. With extensive experience in financial journalism and economic analysis, this expert journalist provides sharp insights on market trends, corporate developments, and the economic forces affecting daily life. His reporting helps readers make sense of the business world’s biggest moves.