SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Chick-Fil-A has officially kicked off its next phase of growth in Massachusetts, announcing plans to open 12 to 15 new restaurants across the state by the end of 2027, including new locations in East Springfield and West Springfield. The new Springfield-area restaurant s will be among several sites opening beyond the Greater Boston area. Chick-fil-A estimates the expansion will generate approximately 1,600 new jobs across Massachusetts. Kids eat free at Applebee’s on Sunday at these western Mass. locations Chick-fil-A currently operates 19 restaurants statewide, but the announcement of new locations in East Springfield and West Springfield marks the brand’s first direct investment into the western part of the state. While exact opening dates for the western Mass. locations have yet to be confirmed, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with openings anticipated shortly thereafter. Residents can expect full-service restaurants that may include drive-thru lanes, mobile ordering, and dine-in service. The Springfield expansion is expected to generate dozens of new jobs per location, offering both part-time and full-time roles. Locally, Chick-fil-A has already had an impact through initiatives like the Shared Table program, which redirects surplus food from restaurants to food banks and nonprofits. Since 2016, Massachusetts-based Chick-fil-A locations have donated more than 150,000 meals. The company also announced it will donate $25,000 to Feeding America for every new restaurant opened, directly supporting area food banks such as The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Food Bank. The full list of new locations coming to the Bay State can be found here. Local News Headlines Chicopee woman claims $100K prize after son sees 22News unclaimed ticket story Senator Markey and Mass. officials request answers on LIHEAP staff cuts Beauty Batlles Lounge helps combat period poverty in Chicopee and Holyoke Public Schools MassDEP celebrates 50th anniversary in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less