This past July, the doors of the Chick-fil-A on Mid Rivers temporarily shut as it underwent renovations. The congested drive-through lanes have disappeared, replaced by bright orange construction cones and gates blocking all entry. This renovation, according to management, is set to include better traffic flow in the drive-through and entrance, redesigned kitchen, and a fresh dining experience. The updates are designed to improve efficiency during rush hours. Chick-fil-A has been a popular hangout for students to hold study sessions, meetings and get through long school days. Although the upgrades are exciting and appealing, the closure has created a gap in students’ routines.
“I was honestly distraught, because there’s no other Chick-fil-A’s, so I can’t really get Chick-fil-A now,” freshman Hailey Cage said.
The closing has not only affected customers but also employees, especially student employees, who have had to adjust to changes to balance their work commitments.
“Everyone transferred locations, and I did too,” senior Parker Frankland said. “They want me to work at the O’Fallon one currently, which is a 20-minute drive there and back, which I find kind of annoying.”
As construction continues, students and employees eagerly anticipate the grand opening and the fresh updates. The community’s enthusiasm builds as the completion date approaches and the new space opens.
“We are getting very close to finishing,” Frankland said. “We don’t have the interior quite yet done, but we are getting very, very close.”
The grand reopening is scheduled for Nov. 12-19, allowing guests to enjoy a nice meal after a short hiatus. Until then, the days are being counted down to the reopening of the doors for customers to return to their favorite spot.
“I hope it’ll be worth the wait,” sophomore Katie Ayers said.
