US fast-food chain Chick-fil-A is set to open its first permanent restaurants in Singapore and the UK later this year, in line with its development strategy announced last year.

The first Singapore restaurant will follow the brand’s successful pop-up event last year, while the UK location will debut in Leeds in fall.

Both restaurants will be led by the local owner-operators of the two countries, and the company expects that their understanding of their own community preferences will complement Chick-fil-A’s international expansion.

“The two local owner-operators are also making an impact by building meaningful connections as they invest in the needs of the neighborhoods where they’ll be serving guests,” said Anita Costello, chief international officer of Chick-fil-A.

Hugh Park, head of Asia Pacific operations, told Inside Retail Asia last year that the business is exploring several markets within Asia and plans to open five international locations by 2030.

Last year, the company announced the opening of new restaurants in the UK, including Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool and London.