CHANDLER ENGLAND, a Knoxville native, always knew he wanted to settle down and sow his seeds on Manchester soil. When the opportunity to work for Chick-fil-A on the corporate level came up, he quickly applied for the job and was accepted. England’s career began in the summer of 2013, marking the start of a journey that would shape his professional path and his deep connection to the community.
England’s entrepreneurial spirit stems from his father and grandfather, who owned a Mattress Factory together. Aside from his father and grandfather’s entrepreneurship inspiration, England always knew his passion lay in influencing the community and inspiring teamwork and collaboration.
“With Chick-fil-A, I can select and build my own team, and I can have a lasting influence on my team and people in the community.”
Despite majoring in Kinesiology at the University of Tennessee, England’s passion for entrepreneurship and desire to positively impact the community led him to Chick-fil-A.
In 2013, after high school, England started his Chick-fil-A journey in Knoxville. Beginning as an entry-level team member, he quickly progressed to a trainer in 2016, contributing to grand openings in different locations. In 2020, he entered Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program, overseeing company-operated restaurants and guiding new openings. Now, in 2023, England proudly serves as the owner-operator of Manchester’s Chick-fil-A, beginning a new chapter in his career.
England’s ties to the community go beyond professional aspirations. Growing up in Knoxville’s suburb, Fountain City, he experienced the support of a tight-knit community. Now in Manchester, he recognizes the similarities between the communities. People in Manchester genuinely want to see England succeed, just as his hometown supported him.
“It’s one of those places where everybody knows everybody. Everybody goes to one high school, and you grew up playing the same sports with the same people. And people are really excited to see you succeed within the community,” he remarked.
“Once I came to Manchester, I still felt that from this community, even though I didn’t necessarily know a ton of them. People here in Manchester genuinely want us to succeed. They want to partner with us in whatever we’re doing. And they’re just excited that we’re here. And I’m excited that we’re here as well.”
The journey was challenging. Despite initially planning to become a doctor, England shifted gears toward Chick-fil-A, a decision met with understanding from his family. Moving away from home for the first time to pursue his career in Philadelphia, England missed important family events. His dedication and sacrifices paid off when he was selected to open the Chick-fil-A in Manchester.
Since the restaurant’s opening on Aug. 31, 2023, England has actively engaged in community initiatives. The Shared Table program sees surplus food donated twice a week to the local food bank, Storehouse Food Pantry. Additionally, England sponsors schools, sports teams, and youth programs, emphasizing his commitment to education and youth sports.
“Anything from 4 years old to high school sports — it’s something I’m very passionate about. And so that’s kind of where I’ve chosen to focus my giving strategy.”
England’s leadership style is influenced by his background in sports. He employs the ESRC method — expectations, skills, resources, and consequences — to guide his team. As a former multi-sport athlete, England’s coaching presence resonates with his team, creating shared unity and purpose.
The most rewarding aspects of England’s role are twofold. Firstly, he can impact his team’s development and success, instilling a work ethic and inspiring them to pursue their dreams. Secondly, the positive influence on the community provides a space for people to enjoy meals and escape daily challenges within the welcoming environment of Chick-fil-A.
From the heart, for England, means giving his all every day to impact people’s lives positively. His passion lies in building relationships, making connections, and supporting the community in any way possible. Despite being part of a national brand, England emphasized local ownership and his personal involvement, spending long hours immersed in the community.
“I’m in this community. I’m ingrained in this community. So just because it’s a national brand doesn’t mean we’re not a ‘local business.’”
As England continues to write the story of Chick-fil-A in Manchester, his dedication to building relationships and making a lasting impact on the community remains at the heart of his journey.
“My heart is on impacting and influencing people. I try to come in every single day to try to do that and better the community in any way possible.” GN
