Chick-fil-A made headlines when on July 27 it announced two new restaurant prototypes: one, a digital-focused walk-up design, and the other, an eye-catching elevated drive-thru unit. The Atlanta-based company indicated at the time that the walk-up concept would open in New York City, while the more exciting, elevated drive-thru restaurant was planned for "the metro Atlanta area." Both locations are to open in 2024. We are pleased to say we have now confirmed where that Atlanta area location will open.
For reference, the project is about 23 miles and about a 30 minute drive from Chick-fil-A headquarters in southwest Atlanta. About seven miles from the new Chick-fil-A, the company also operates a Truett's Chick-fil-A at 3649 Highway 138, a restaurant the company opened in July 2019 on the site of a former Dwarf House.
The innovative two story Chick-fil-A building will feature a four-lane drive-thru with the capacity to serve 75 cars. The design, a first for Chick-fil-A, drew immediate comparisons to a similar looking Taco Bell restaurant that was announced in 2021 and opened last summer.
The "Taco Bell Defy," also offers a two story building with a four-lane drive-thru meant for increased efficiency. (That said, we've never seen lines at Taco Bell's drive-thru anywhere near as long as the typical Chick-fil-A drive-thru.) Industry observers expect Chick-fil-A to employ similar innovations and technology in their prototype.
"Guests can choose to place their order with a Team Member or use the dedicated Mobile Thru lanes for orders placed ahead in the Chick-fil-A App."
[As of March Chick-fil-A indicated that there are more than 50 million members of the company's App, Chick-fil-A One.]
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According to planning materials reviewed by ToNeTo Atlanta, the new Chick-fil-A will be built on an outparcel near the development's primary and signalized Jodeco Road entrance. A Starbucks is being built beside it and a Chipotle is coming behind it. A new Sprouts Farmers Market is also coming to the project and will be located close to the Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Chipotle. The new Stockbridge Sprouts store will be the seventeenth in metro Atlanta for the Phoenix, Arizona-based grocer. [The company earlier this year shuttered locations in Sandy Springs (Chastain Park) and Duluth.]
ToNeTo Atlanta was first to report in June that Chick-fil-A is planning to bring another prototype restaurant to metro Atlanta with the planned opening of a mobile/takeout/delivery-oriented (non-drive-thru) unit planned for 3232 Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead. ToNeTo Atlantain 2022 was also first to report on a Brookhaven Chick-fil-A which opened this past April, also without a drive-thru.
The "get" of the first ever of these ultra-modern Chick-fil-A restaurants is surely a shot in the arm for the Stockbridge area, perhaps even challenging the excitement of the development also landing a new Costco that is slated to open November 16.
Because We Care Henry County - Atlanta South, a Facebook page dedicated to developments in and around Henry County, was first to note the new Chick-fil-A opening. Elton Alexander, Stockbridge District 5 City Councilman, maintains the Facebook page and when contacted by ToNeTo Atlanta, said in part:
"The struggle has been real to attract retailers, quality restaurants, and amenities to Henry County but persistence and belief by our team that we deserve better is finally paying off. First to south metro Atlanta announcements are music to our residents ears eliminating the need to leave our community for entertainment, shopping, and dining. We thank Developers Jeff Grant of Southern Consulting, David Hughes of Hughes Development, and the Chen family for believing in our shared vision for a modern thriving gathering space concept and investing in Stockbridge. The sales numbers of the new arrivals will shock the region and open the door for so many more to arrive in Atlanta’s southside!"
Sources close Chick-fil-A tell ToNeTo Atlanta that Brett Lewis, an existing owner/operator within the Chick-fil-A network, will be entrusted with operating the new Chick-fil-A in Stockbridge. Lewis has since March 2019 operated the Chick-Fil-A at the Dalton Mall in Dalton.
Are you excited for the opening of the new Chick-fil-A? What is your favorite Chick-fil-A menu item? What other tenants would you like to see open in the upcoming Bridges at Jodeco project?
Please share your thoughts below.