Wilson Yang, Owner/Operator
SHERRILLS FORD
Wilson’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Tennessee, he made his way to the University of Georgia for a music degree, but a summer working with WinShape Camps flipped his world. That’s where he first got a front-row seat to Chick-fil-A’s bigger purpose, and it stuck.
After graduation, he followed that calling into full-time staff recruitment at WinShape, which ultimately led him to Durham, NC to work under Operator John White. For four years, he grew through roles from Training Director to Drive-Thru Director, laying the foundation for what was next.
2010
2013
2017
2019
2025
Chick-fil-A Story
Hungry for more, Wilson jumped into Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program, crisscrossing the country on 14 assignments in just 18 months. His heart for pioneering took him even farther, literally. In 2019, Wilson became the very first Chick-fil-A Operator outside the U.S., opening the flagship restaurant in Toronto, Canada.
It was there he and his wife, Drew (who he actually met in the restaurant), built their family, welcoming two boys, Tripp and Eben, with a baby girl now on the way. After six incredible years in Canada, they’re heading back stateside, excited to plant roots closer to family in Sherrills Ford, NC.
Vision and Values
Wilson leads with a mission to “bring meaning to all that we do,” with a focus on people, profits, and top-notch operations.
- He’s built a culture where people want to stay. Over 5.5 years, Wilson has maintained a retention rate of 60%, with 8 team members—5 of whom are leaders—serving alongside him since day one at his previous restaurant.
- In Toronto, his team didn’t just show up, they stood out. They earned Guardian of the Brand honors for four consecutive years, helped secure a $300,000 True Inspiration Award for a local nonprofit, and were the first in Canada to develop a True Inspiration Scholar. He also takes special pride in seeing two of his team members become Operators themselves.
- As he gears up for Sherrills Ford, Wilson plans to kick things off with a Community Open House, inviting local schools, businesses, and neighbors to get a first look, and start building relationships long before opening day.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO MAKE CHICK-FIL-A A CAREER OR BECOME AN OWNER/OPERATOR?
“For me, it’s all about equipping walking alongside people, giving them real experiences, and growing together. That’s how you build leaders who are ready for anything.”
– Wilson Yang
