A former Chick-fil-A team member from Malvern has just made history in Pennsylvania. Keara Harris, who once worked as a frontline employee, has become the first Black woman in the state to open her own Chick-fil-A franchise. The new location is in Lansdale, and it opened its doors earlier this month.
Harris’s story is one of dedication and determination. She started her journey in 2013 as a team member at a Chick-fil-A in Malvern.
Over time, she worked her way up through different roles, eventually becoming the Director of Operations. Her hard work and leadership were noticed not just by her team but also by corporate decision-makers.
Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise is not an easy process. The company has a highly competitive selection system, with only a small percentage of applicants being approved.
Harris went through the rigorous process and stood out among thousands of candidates. She was selected not only for her experience but also for her strong leadership skills and commitment to the Chick-fil-A values.
The new Chick-fil-A in Lansdale officially opened on May 2, 2025. Harris now leads a team of over 120 employees. Her goal is to provide great food with excellent customer service while also creating opportunities for growth and development within her team.
She wants her restaurant to be a place where people feel welcomed and supported, just like she did when she first started in Malvern.
In interviews, Harris mentioned how important mentorship and support were in her journey. She credits her former Operator at the Malvern location for guiding her and helping her see her potential.
That mentorship played a key role in helping her believe that she, too, could one day own and operate her location.
Harris also wants her story to inspire others, especially young Black women, to dream big and not be afraid of chasing leadership roles. She hopes that seeing someone who looks like them in a position of ownership and influence will encourage others to follow similar paths.
The Lansdale community has welcomed her warmly. During opening week, many residents showed up to support the new restaurant. Some even shared stories of knowing Harris when she was still working at the Malvern location.
The opening included the usual Chick-fil-A celebrations, with long lines of customers and a team of enthusiastic staff ready to serve.
While this is a big milestone for Harris personally, it also marks a significant moment for Chick-fil-A as a brand. The company has made efforts in recent years to promote diversity and inclusion within its franchise system.
Harris’s achievement is a step forward in that direction, showing that more doors are opening for women and people of color in the world of business.
Running a franchise means more than just serving food. It means managing staff, handling operations, and being a part of the local community.
Harris is focused on making sure her team is motivated and supported. She’s also interested in giving back to the community, with plans to partner with local schools and nonprofits.
She believes that a business should not only be profitable but also have a positive impact on its surroundings. For her, the Chick-fil-A in Lansdale is more than a restaurant—it’s a space for mentorship, leadership, and opportunity.