Local Owner-Operator Tom Messick looks forward to creating meaningful experiences for Guests, Restaurant Team Members and his local community through
Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common.

Canadian business owner Tom Messick has lived in the Edmonton area for nearly his entire life, which is one of many reasons why he’s thrilled to serve as the new local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A® South Edmonton Common in Alberta. 

Connected to the Edmonton community 
Tom moved to Alberta when he was six years old, so his roots in the local community run deep.

“I’ve spent the majority of my life living and working in the Edmonton area,” explains Tom, who remembers shopping at South Edmonton Common as a child and young adult.  

Now, he continues to embrace life in Edmonton – from attending local symphony concerts with his wife, Laura, and their two children to serving as a youth hockey coach, volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels and vice president of the Insurance Institute of Northern Alberta.

Getting a taste of the Chick-fil-A brand 
Tom fondly recalls his first visit to a Chick-fil-A restaurant when visiting extended family in the U.S. He tried the Cookies & Cream Milkshake and was immediately hooked. Years later, the brand continued to impress him.  

“I remember being amazed when Chick-fil-A Team Members who lived in my dormitory would talk about the amazing work culture and quality of food at their local Restaurant,” says Tom. The more he learned about Chick-fil-A, the more his penchant for the brand grew.  

After graduating from university and returning to Canada, he continued to seek out opportunities to visit Chick-fil-A restaurants. “No matter how far of a drive or how long of a wait, I always made visiting a Chick-fil-A restaurant one of my first stops when I would visit the USA,” explains Tom. “I remember one trip to San Diego… I probably ate at Chick-fil-A every day for six days straight!” 

Growing connections and impact 
Now, as Tom prepares to open Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common in late 2024, he’s excited to create positive experiences, connections and local impact in his community.  

“I want to have a positive impact on my team by providing a caring place to work, while also serving great food to the Edmonton community and providing superb hospitality,” he says. 

A few of the ways that Tom plans to spread care for his team and the larger Edmonton community include nominating his Restaurant Team Members for the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program and donating surplus food from his restaurant to help feed neighbours in need through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program.  

With thousands of newcomers who have moved to the Edmonton area in recent years, Tom is eager to help build new connections and relationships to create a greater sense of belonging and community spirit – both within Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common and beyond.

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Our growth in Canada 
Chick-fil-A will expand its long-term investment in Canada, growing to a total of 20 stores in 2024, with plans to open seven to 10 restaurants per year thereafter. We are seeking franchise candidates in Canada with an entrepreneurial spirit and a CEO mindset, who are passionate about serving great food and providing exceptional hospitality in a fast-paced environment. Chick-fil-A franchisees are independent Owner-Operators who run complex, Chick-fil-A branded restaurant businesses with integrity and stewardship. Learn more about franchising opportunities by visiting our Franchising page. 
  
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.   
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia. 

Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.ca and @ChickfilANews.