Chick-fil-A says it wants to remain a family-owned business as it expands

ChickfilA CEO Andrew Cathy says the fastfood chain plans to keep its family ownership structure even as it grows in the U.S. and abroad. The company has expanded into markets including Singapore, Canada and the United Kingdom while continuing to emphasize its core focus on hospitality and a relatively conservative growth strategy. Cathy, who took over as CEO about five years ago, said the company does not plan to pursue an IPO or outside investment. He said ChickfilA is balancing tradition with change by updating its menu, testing new business ideas through Red Wagon Ventures, and exploring technology while keeping human interaction central to the dining experience. The company remains one of the largest restaurant chains in the U.S. by system sales and continues to lean on customer service as a key differentiator. Cathy also said ChickfilA sees competition in the chicken market as a positive force that pushes the company to improve.