ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Chick-fil-A plans to close its University of New Mexico campus restaurant after June 2027.
The University of New Mexico said Chick-fil-A informed the school about the plan as the company changes how it runs many campus and other nontraditional locations across the country.
“As part of Chick-fil-A’s ongoing business strategy to support and expand local ownership opportunities, Chick-fil-A will transition many existing licensed venues to franchisee/Operator-owned venues,” the company said. “If Chick-fil-A chooses not to convert an existing licensed venue, the location will permanently close.”
The university said the UNM restaurant will not move to that franchise model and will keep regular operations throughout the 2026–27 academic year.
UNM Food and Aramark said they have already started planning for the future of the space and continue to review restaurant partnerships and new dining concepts for the campus dining program.
UNM Food and Aramark plan to send a survey in the coming weeks so students, faculty and staff can share feedback about dining options, experiences and concepts they want in the space.
The university said a chicken-focused concept is expected to be one of the options under consideration while planners keep flexibility to find the best fit for campus.
Dining and Cooking