Chick-fil-A is preparing to open its first Newark restaurant this fall, the company announced, and franchisee operators have begun recruiting local workers. The new location, at 2 Clay St., is now accepting applications for an estimated 60 to 80 full- and part-time positions.
Hiring push and benefits for employees
The store will be operated by franchisee Brian Madalion, who joined Chick-fil-A as a restaurant director in 2023. Madalion said he plans to run the location as a neighborhood gathering place and to emphasize employee development.
“Giving back to the community is something that I’ve always been passionate about, and I’m eager to watch this restaurant transform into a gathering place for the people of Newark,” Madalion said.
The company is promoting pay and benefits, as well as educational support. Among the offerings noted are access to the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships and tuition discounts available through the chain’s partnerships with more than 100 colleges and universities nationwide.
How to apply and what roles are likely
Interested applicants can apply via text by sending the code 1ERY to 31063, according to the announcement. The franchise did not publish a breakdown of how many roles will be full time versus part time or list specific job titles in the initial notice; typical restaurant openings include kitchen, front-of-house, shift leaders and managerial-track positions.
- Location: 2 Clay St., Newark
- Projected hires: 60–80 full- and part-time positions
- Application method: Text 1ERY to 31063
Local context and potential impact
The arrival of a national quick-service chain at a central downtown address is notable for Newark, where retail and dining investments have been closely watched as indicators of downtown and neighborhood revitalization. The new Chick-fil-A sits within walking distance of business corridors, transit hubs and residential developments that have been the focus of recent commercial interest.
For residents seeking work, the franchise opening represents a short-term boost in hiring for entry-level and supervisory positions. For employees who qualify, the company’s scholarship and tuition discount programs could represent a financial aid route for postsecondary education — a pitch that franchisees commonly emphasize when recruiting staff.
What franchisee says about community role
Madalion emphasized community ties and staff well-being as operational priorities. He said the restaurant will aim to foster physical, emotional and mental support for employees while helping them build leadership skills. The announcement highlights flexibility and opportunities for growth as aspects of the position offerings.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Clay St., Newark |
| Hiring range | 60–80 employees (full- and part-time) |
| Application | Text 1ERY to 31063 |
| Employee programs | Remarkable Futures Scholarships; tuition discounts |
Questions remaining
The company did not specify an exact opening date or provide a detailed staffing breakdown in the initial posting. Details on wage rates, starting schedules and management hires were not included in the announcement released to the public.
As development continues, local officials and community groups often monitor how national chains balance corporate programs with neighborhood initiatives. For now, the immediate effects for Newark will be the new dining option downtown and the short-term hiring opportunities connected with the store rollout.
The franchisee’s emphasis on turning the restaurant into a community hub signals an intent to engage locally; how that translates into partnerships, events or neighborhood investments will be clearer as the opening approaches and the operator shares additional plans.
— State correspondent, WE NEWS
