Eat More Chicken: Is Lancaster Experiencing An Expanding Chicken Restaurant Market?

Update - Click HERE.

Any time that new construction or rumors of new businesses happen in Lancaster, you can guarantee someone will state they heard Chick-Fil-A is coming to town.

In early April 2024, a notice of a variance request popped up for a parcel of land on Ety Rd. for the location of trash dumpsters and signage being "significant to the branding of the restaurant." Being as inquisitive as I am, I reached out to the city for information through a public records request.

What was returned to me within my inquiry was blueprints and building elevations of a proposed Chick-Fil-A restaurant situated at the corner of Ety Rd. and North Columbus Street.

Chick-Fil-A Site Plan

I reached out to Chick-fil-A corporate to find out what the status of the project was and when we could anticipate the opening of this new restaurant. I was provided the following statement from Chick-fil-A, Inc.:

“Thank you so much for reaching out to the Chick-fil-A Pressroom. While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing our first location in Lancaster. We are excited by the prospect of joining this neighborhood, where each locally owned and operated restaurant creates 80 – 120 jobs. We hope to have the opportunity to serve new guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality. 

Visit The Press Room to learn more about our food, our people and the latest Chick-fil-A news.”

Chick-Fil-A Building Elevation

Chick-Fil-A Building Elevation

In May 2024, the main topic of the City Planning Commission was the property where Chick-Fil-A is proposed to be located. Discussions occurred regarding sidewalks, a new street, gutters, and a few other items. We can assume that planning is still underway, as well as finalizing plans for the entire property on Ety Rd./North Columbus Street.

While we do not know the official timeline or what is happening at this point, I am assuming that the project is full steam ahead, and we should see some type of movement soon.

Stay tuned for future updates regarding Chick-Fil-A coming to Lancaster, Ohio!

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Update 9/4/24:

Short update, but I reached out via email to member of the City Planning Commission and current Lancaster Mayor, Don McDaniel asking what the status of the variance request and if there was any indication of progress to start the project moving forward. I received the following response from the Mayor:

"The Planning Commission approved variances requested. The Developer indicated that they would be moving forward. Hopefully we have more information soon."

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Required Reading:

• https://www.discoverglasstown.com/post/michaels-store-planned-for-lancaster-ohio

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