2015 year in preview: Progress shows at new Chick-fil-A site

The dirt piles and backhoes at the corner of U.S. 280 and Highway 119 are heralds of waffle fries and chicken sandwiches to come. Construction on the new Chick-fil-A location began on Nov. 3, and construction manager Justin Bloecher said the restaurant is planned to open in early March.

So far, Bloecher said it has been a “fairly straightforward” construction process. The project contractors, W.H. Bass, Inc., have had no issues in converting the former gas station site to fit the restaurant’s needs. The site will include access points both from 280 and 119. 

The March opening date means that Chick-fil-A will begin serving customers before ALDOT’s widening project on 119 is finished in May. Bloecher said the restaurant will be perfectly able to serve customers through its 280 entrance while construction is still underway, but the addition of lanes on 119 will make life simpler for diners.

“It’ll make it a lot easier to get in and out of the site when its done. A lot safer and a lot easier,” Bloecher said.

When finished, the Chick-fil-A will span 4,559 square feet and will feature updated interior designs and double drive-through lanes to accommodate heavy traffic. It is expected to relieve congestion at the existing Chick-fil-A at 4620 U.S. 280. 

Bloecher said the chain is anticipating around 2,500 customers on the opening day. Nationwide, Chick-fil-A locations average 600-700 diners per day, and Bloecher said the new 280 location will likely match this number. The restaurant is expected to employ around 70 part-time and full-time staff members. 

“It’s a good location with the community,” Bloecher said. “[It’s] a good fit for Chick-fil-A.”