Chick-fil-A, the beloved fast-food chain renowned for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, has always had a knack for drawing crowds. However, in some areas, the overwhelming popularity of its restaurants has caused severe traffic congestion, prompting local governments to reevaluate their operational strategies with the company. Clinton Township, Michigan, is a prime example, where a new Chick-fil-A project has sparked heated debate and controversy.
The Clinton Township Board of Commissioners recently approved plans to build a 5,100-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant at the intersection of Hall Road and Romeo Plank Road. The decision was made after intense debate and ultimately passed with a 4-3 vote. The current site is occupied by a two-story Fifth Third Bank building, which will be demolished to make way for the new restaurant. Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with the restaurant slated to open in the spring of 2025.
While the new Chick-fil-A restaurant is expected to bring more dining options to the area, the move has also raised concerns among local residents. Over 250 people signed a petition opposing the project, expressing concerns that traffic congestion at the busy intersection would worsen. “No matter when you step out of your house at night, you can hear Hellcats and Camaros speeding down M-59,” said Daniel Ewing, a resident of the nearby Rivergate community. “This isn’t a good location. You’ll face traffic and people issues.”
Traffic issues are not new for Chick-fil-A. The chain’s first store in nearby Shelby Township faced similar challenges when it opened during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. At the time, indoor dining was prohibited, and drive-thru became the primary service method, leading to severe traffic congestion. However, Chick-fil-A representatives believe the Clinton store will better handle traffic issues. The new store is twice the size of the Shelby store and will feature dual drive-thru lanes to improve efficiency.
A traffic study conducted by Fishbeck Engineering supports this claim. The study estimates that during peak hours, the Clinton Township site could see up to 160 vehicles. Recommendations include re-timing traffic signals at intersections to better manage traffic flow. “The current traffic pressure observed at the Shelby Township location will be alleviated by the addition of a second location,” said Jill Bauer, an engineer at Fishbeck. “Overall, we did not find any significant impact on traffic conditions in the area.”
Chick-fil-A’s decision to expand in Michigan is part of its broader growth strategy. The company plans to open 50 new locations in the state over the next decade, with the goal of having 80% of the population in the Detroit metropolitan area within a 10-minute drive of a store. In Macomb County alone, 14 locations are planned, with Clinton Township being the fourth. Additional stores in Chesterfield Township and Roswell are under construction, with negotiations ongoing for two more properties.
The Clinton Township project reflects Chick-fil-A’s growing trend toward addressing traffic issues. In Naperville, Illinois, the company is testing a drive-thru-only concept. This new model eliminates indoor dining and focuses on serving drive-thru customers. The design includes a walk-up window and outdoor patio space for pedestrians and cyclists. “We are very excited about the opportunity to expand our footprint in Naperville,” said Jason Hill, Chick-fil-A’s Director of Development and Construction.
Despite these innovative solutions, traffic issues remain a contentious issue for Chick-fil-A and the communities it serves. In Clinton, some residents remain skeptical about the project’s impact on daily life. However, others believe the new restaurant is a boon to the area. “Traffic issues have never truly materialized,” noted resident Steve Brosteck, adding that similar concerns have arisen in other projects but ultimately proved unfounded.
As Chick-fil-A continues to expand, the company faces the challenge of balancing its popularity with the practical needs of urban planning. The Clinton Township project serves as a case study in how businesses and local governments can collaborate to address community concerns while promoting economic growth. Whether the new location will alleviate or exacerbate traffic issues remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches remain a popular choice for attracting customers.
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