Reopening set for renovated Chick-fil-A on State Line Road — and a new location in works

The Ward Parkway Center Chick-fil-A so exceeded sales expectations — becoming the highest volume location in the metro since opening in 2006 — it was having trouble keeping up.

So it shut down Aug. 22 for a renovation it expected would take only seven weeks. It is taking almost twice that long, what with permitting, weather delays, complications from replacing a water main, and other issues. Construction crews have been working daily in the past few weeks to complete the project.

Now it is scheduled to reopen Nov. 14 with a remodeled dining room, a more efficient kitchen, and a new dual-lane drive-thru.

“We were in the grocery store Sunday and got stopped by four different couples, ‘What’s going on over there?’ ” said franchisee Forrest Swyden. “The volume jumped up at my Mission location and the restaurant at 97th and Quivira. But we are certainly ready to reopen.”

The location, at 8551 State Line Road, will feature the chain’s newest “vintage heritage” design with digital menu boards, a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood, and a custom light fixture made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles. The new kitchen design will nearly double the capacity of the original.

The dual-lane drive-thru will merge into a single pick-up point that can handle upwards of 200 cars an hour. It will have environment-controlled canopies featuring fans in warmer weather, heaters in colder months.

“You’re not going to freeze, you’re not going to get wet under those canopies. It’s pretty sweet,” Swyden said.

And there’s good news for Raymore Chick-fil-A fans. Swyden said the company is in negotiations for a site off Interstate 49. Stay tuned.