Chick-fil-A Announces New Salinas Location Opening in 2026

The popular chicken chain is expanding its footprint in the Central California city.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:51am

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches and waffle fries arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the premium quality and iconic branding of the popular fast-food chain.The arrival of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Salinas is an exciting development for the community, promising more dining options and potential job opportunities.Salinas Today

Chick-fil-A North Salinas has announced plans to open a new location in South Salinas, California in the summer of 2026. The announcement comes after the City of Salinas Community Development Department previously approved plans for a Chick-fil-A to open at 363 East Market Street, near the existing El Pollo Loco restaurant. However, it's unclear if this new location is the same one that was previously approved.

Why it matters

The addition of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Salinas is significant, as the popular chicken chain has a loyal customer base and its expansion into the city will likely be welcomed by many residents. This new location could also drive increased economic activity and foot traffic in the surrounding area.

The details

According to the post from Chick-fil-A North Salinas, the new location will open in South Salinas in the summer of 2026. The company stated that more updates would be announced soon. The previous location approved by the City of Salinas Community Development Department was planned for 363 East Market Street, near the existing El Pollo Loco restaurant. However, it's unclear if this new announced location is the same one that was previously approved.

  • Chick-fil-A North Salinas announced the new location in April 2026.
  • The new Chick-fil-A is set to open in the summer of 2026.

The players

Chick-fil-A North Salinas

The local Chick-fil-A franchise that announced the new location.

City of Salinas Community Development Department

The local government agency that previously approved plans for a Chick-fil-A location in East Salinas.

El Pollo Loco

An existing restaurant located near the planned Chick-fil-A location.

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What’s next

Chick-fil-A has stated that more updates on the new Salinas location will be announced soon.

The takeaway

The addition of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Salinas represents the continued growth and popularity of the chicken chain, which is expanding its footprint in the Central California city. While the exact location is still unclear, the new restaurant is expected to drive increased economic activity and be welcomed by many Salinas residents.