Bristol's New Chick-fil-A Creates 100 Jobs and $25K for Hunger Relief

Bristol, Connecticut is getting more than just a new restaurant this month. When Chick-fil-A opens its doors at 1249 Farmington Avenue on January 15, it will bring 100 new jobs to the community and a $25,000 donation to Connecticut Foodshare to support local hunger relief efforts.

The story behind the opening is just as inspiring as the community impact. Drew Hutton, the new owner-operator, started his journey as a teenager working at his father's Chick-fil-A restaurant in Maryland. Throughout high school and college, he worked his way through various team member roles, developing his leadership skills one shift at a time.

After graduation, Hutton initially pursued a career in accounting. But something was missing. He found himself longing for the hands-on leadership and genuine human connection he'd experienced in the restaurant industry. So he made a bold choice: he switched careers to become a Chick-fil-A owner-operator, following his passion over the expected path.

"Chick-fil-A has always been about more than just serving delicious food for me," Hutton said. "It's about leading a dedicated team and serving our community well. I'm incredibly honored to serve the Bristol community and I look forward to building a welcoming environment where guests feel cared for every time they walk through our doors."

The Ripple Effect

Hutton's commitment to Bristol extends far beyond creating jobs. Through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, the restaurant will redirect surplus food to local nonprofits. The program has already helped create over 42 million meals nationwide, turning food waste into community support.

The $25,000 opening donation to Connecticut Foodshare will directly support hunger relief efforts across the state. Combined with the ongoing food donation program, the restaurant is positioning itself as a community partner from day one.

The 100 full-time and part-time positions created by the new location offer opportunities for people at all stages of their careers. Given Hutton's own journey from team member to owner, he understands firsthand the power of workplace growth and leadership development.

To celebrate the grand opening, Hutton is inviting the community to "show their spots" on January 15. Anyone who arrives in cow attire (yes, you read that right) from a full costume to simple cow-spotted accessories can redeem a free entrée or kid's meal. It's a playful way to bring the community together and start the restaurant's journey with smiles all around.

The new location will serve guests Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, delivery, and catering options. For Bristol residents, it's not just about getting a new dining option. It's about welcoming a business owner who chose to invest in their community, create meaningful employment opportunities, and make fighting hunger a priority from the very first day.