Marcel Smith, born and raised in Detroit, has recently launched a Chick-Fil-A location in the area where he grew up.

Marcel Smith, who hails from Detroit, has taken on a new venture in his home state of Michigan - owning and operating a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Lincoln Park. This new location, which opened on April 2, is expected to bring in 120 job opportunities for the local community in Downriver, according to the company's announcement. With over 20 Chick-fil-A restaurants already established in the metro Detroit area, this addition is a sign of the company's continued growth in Michigan.

In a press release, Smith expressed his excitement about opening a restaurant so close to where he grew up, calling it a full-circle moment for him. As the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Lincoln Park, his main goal is to ensure that both guests and team members feel known and cared for. He also hopes that the restaurant will serve as a positive anchor for his family and the community as a whole.

For Smith, this opportunity is more than just owning a franchise - it's about giving back to the communities that have shaped him. After graduating from Detroit Public Schools, he went on to earn a degree in international business from Houston Christian University. He also has experience in youth coaching, financial advising, and Chick-fil-A's leadership development program.

Before taking on ownership, Smith underwent training in various Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country. This training not only prepares operators to manage daily business operations but also emphasizes the importance of engaging with the local community. At his Lincoln Park location, guests can enjoy dine-in, carryout, drive-thru, and delivery services.

Smith's journey is a reflection of Chick-fil-A's broader growth strategy in Michigan, which is expected to create thousands of new job opportunities across the state. The company has placed a strong emphasis on local leadership and community-oriented ownership models in its expansion efforts. Similar to other new Chick-fil-A restaurants in cities like Auburn Hills, Flint, and Detroit, Smith's Lincoln Park location will prioritize hiring local workers, donating food to those in need, and providing mentorship opportunities.

For Smith, his long-term goal is not just about serving delicious food to customers - he wants his restaurant to be a resource for the community, especially for young people in the Detroit area. He envisions his restaurant as a place for mentorship, job opportunities, and leadership development. This aligns with the restaurant's partnership with a black-owned tea house and bookstore, which aims to revive Detroit's West Side.

Together, they hope to make a positive impact in the community and create a brighter future for all.