At the helm of Chick-fil-A’s new restaurant in Kingston, Owner-Operator Connor Ashford brings experience and a heartfelt commitment to community.
Driven by a passion for hospitality and a strong commitment to the Kingston community, Owner-Operator Connor Ashford is focused on making Chick-fil-A Kingston the most welcoming restaurant in London.
“I hope Chick-fil-A Kingston will be more than just a restaurant but instead a vibrant part of the local community, a place where people gather, build connections, and enjoy time together,” Connor says.
Excited to put down roots in Kingston and become an active presence in the local community, Connor is originally from Norfolk and a graduate of the University of Aberdeen. He built his successful career in senior leadership roles within fast-paced logistics and operations, where he championed operational excellence and community-focused initiatives.
Serving great tasting food with purpose
Connor first experienced Chick-fil-A during a work placement in Michigan, USA, where he was immediately impressed by the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, consistency, and genuine hospitality.
As a fitness enthusiast, Connor quickly made the grilled nuggets his go-to lunch – calling it “one of the best moments of my day.” What began as a simple appreciation for a favourite meal soon grew into something more: a source of inspiration that sparked his ambition to one day operate his own Chick-fil-A restaurant.
Today, Connor’s vision goes far beyond great food. He is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment that serves as a true cornerstone of hospitality in the Kingston community – bringing Chick-fil-A’s signature high-quality food and people-first culture to serve both Guests and Team Members with purpose.
“I plan to be in the restaurant Monday through Saturday to actively invest in ensuring every Guest has a brilliant experience,” Connor says. “I want people to feel genuinely cared for and well served.”
Building and developing local talent
As a business owner who lives in Kingston, he will be closely involved in every aspect of the restaurant’s operations – from hiring and training to mentoring Team Members – directly investing his time to creating meaningful employment opportunities for the local community.
“Building a strong team culture is a real priority,” he says. “We’re focused on being a top-class employer in Kingston, and that genuinely matters to me as a business owner.”
He explains the team at Chick-fil-A Kingston will bring together a vibrant mix of fresh talent, supported by experienced leaders who will help set the vision for the restaurant.
“I firmly believe that empowered and proud Team Members create experiences that are warm and truly memorable for every Guest,” Connor adds. “Building and developing a strong local team – and creating a restaurant that becomes a positive part of the community – is what I’m most excited about as we open the doors to Chick-fil-A Kingston.”
Connecting with Kingston’s community
Eager to demonstrate a different approach to community involvement, forging meaningful partnerships with local organisations and charities will be a vital part of his role.
A key focus will be introducing the Chick-fil-A Shared Table programme, which donates surplus food to people in need through local charities. “At its heart, Shared Table is about finding ways to show care to the community. We believe this programme allows us to offer meaningful support that directly positively impacts our neighbours,” Connor explains.
Looking ahead
Connor is enthusiastic about welcoming Kingston and London residents to Chick-fil-A, aiming to build a reputation for exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a warm, inviting atmosphere – a place Guests look forward to visiting time and again.
“Our team will reflect the local Kingston community, and it’s incredibly important to me that Chick-fil-A Kingston is a place where everyone feels at home.”
Chick-fil-A is excited to continue serving great food in the UK with the opening of its second locally owned and operated restaurant, as part of its planned $100 million investment in the UK over the next decade.
Chick-fil-A Kingston opens 5th March 2026.
If you’re interested in employment opportunities, please visit chick-fil-a.co.uk/careers/.
