Chick-Fil-A has had its eyes set on West Michigan for a little while. A potential Holland location brought elated joy to many, but no significant progress has been made bringing the fast food restaurant to a reality. However, Chick-Fil-A fans may soon have a reason to celebrate as developers unveiled plans to build a chain in Gaines Township.
The preliminary plan was presented at the township planning commission meeting on Thursday night. The plan calls for a 4,877 square-foot restaurant and drive-thru located at 1545 Edgeknoll Dr. just south of M-6.
While the unveiled plan for a Chick-Fil-A has been met with excitement, there are still some steps to take before the famous chicken sandwiches become a reality. Approval of the project centers around the planning commission rezoning a vacant 2.65-acre property from office to general commercial planned unit development.
The township planning commission intends to hold a public hearing sometime in February.
If the plans are approved, the hope is construction will start soon and be completed by early 2017. The Gaines Township location would mark the third Chick-Fil-A in Michigan. The others reside in Detroit and Rochester.
Chick-Fil-A currently has more than 1,900 locations in 42 states.
When Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley unveiled his “Fun 5” list to Wyoming/Kentwood NOW back in October of 2014, it included a list of five business he was hoping to bring to the Kentwood area. After successfully bringing in Dave & Buster’s and Trader Joe’s to Kentwood city limits, Chick-Fil-A is looking to fill a need in Gaines Township.
Sure, it’s not in Kentwood, but it’s close enough! Now all that’s left is a Whole Foods and a Cheesecake Factory.
We’ll wait patiently while inhaling a delectable chicken sandwich.
