Chick-fil-A is set to establish its first location in the Tri-Cities, following the issuance of a building permit by the city of Kennewick. The Atlanta-based fast-food chain paid over $95,000 in permit fees for the project, which will be located at 7009 W. Canal Drive, directly west of a Wendy’s restaurant and near Hobby Lobby and Wok King Buffet.
The $1.1 million project will feature a 5,000-square-foot building that includes a kitchen, indoor seating for 70 customers, patio seating for 24, and 96 parking spaces. The restaurant will have a two-lane drive-thru and will be positioned perpendicular to West Canal Drive, separated from Wendy’s by a parking lot. A new driveway will be constructed to provide access from Canal Drive.
Chick-fil-A first announced plans to open in the Tri-Cities in February 2024, stating that the area presented a “tremendous opportunity.” After successfully completing the environmental review process, the company applied for the building permit.
Local residents have long expressed interest in having a Chick-fil-A in the area; a recent poll indicated it was one of the top businesses missing from the Tri-Cities, ranking third behind Trader Joe’s and another Costco.
Currently, the closest free-standing Chick-fil-A is located in North Spokane, with additional locations found in Seattle and Portland. The new restaurant will be built on property owned by Winkler Family Holdings, a real estate firm based in Portland. ESI Construction has been contracted for the project.
The Chick-fil-A site is also near the former Old Country Buffet restaurant, which is being renovated to house the Tri-Cities’ second Panera Bread location. While there is no confirmed opening date for the new Chick-fil-A, anticipation continues to build among local fans eager for its debut.
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