Chick-fil-A 'actively pursuing' site for city's first location

Chick-fil-A officials said they are "actively pursuing" their first location in Massillon. The fast-food restaurant has two other Stark County locations at the Belden Village Mall food court and at 5411 Dressler Road NW just outside of the mall.
Chick-fil-A officials said they are "actively pursuing" their first location in Massillon. The fast-food restaurant has two other Stark County locations at the Belden Village Mall food court and at 5411 Dressler Road NW just outside of the mall.

MASSILLON – It might be time for city residents to eat more chicken.

Chick-fil-A officials have confirmed they are looking for their first location in the city.

Last week, a buzz filled social media after someone reposted a real estate listing for a portion of the former Fishers grocery store on Lincoln Way.

According to a listing on Goodman Real Estate Services Group website, 1.9 acres of land is available adjacent to the future site of Chick-fil-A, which would sit on the site of grocery store.

Chick-fil-A did not indicate they found a location in the city, only that they were looking.

Chick-fil-A logo
Chick-fil-A logo

"While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing our first location in Massillon," the company said in email. "We look forward to working through the approval process with the City of Massillon and are excited by the prospect of joining this community. We hope to have the opportunity to serve new guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality."

City officials would neither confirm nor deny they are talking to the fast-food chicken restaurant.

Dave Maley, the city's economic development director, said since the grocery store chain vacated the building, they have been working with owners to find a new tenant.

"Stuff has been going off and on," Maley said. "At one point, it was sold and it fell apart."

According to the listing by Robert Yaskanich, of Goodman, there are more than 55,000 people within a three-mile stretch around the property at 2216 Lincoln Way E, and about 22,000 vehicles pass the site daily.

Yaskanich did not respond to calls for comment about the property.

The site has "excellent egress and ingress with access to a signalized intersection," the information said.

Located within a half a mile from Target, Giant Eagle, The Home Depot, Dunham’s Sports, and Petsmart, the property is in close proximity to the "re-emerging downtown Massillon," the listing said.

A Chipotle, which is nearing completion, and an Aldi are planned for the former Kmart site at 2600 Lincoln Way E.

New business: New Aldi retail grocery store planned for former Massillon Kmart site

More: Ongoing foundation work is for new Chipotle restaurant on Lincoln Way E

Plans were recently announced for a Starbucks to be built along the Lincoln Way corridor.

Maley said the corridor is seeing a lot of activity that he hopes continues to bring new business to the city.

Chick-fil-A has two other Stark County locations: one in the food court of the Belden Village Mall and the other at 5411 Dressler Road NW just outside of the mall.

Founded in 1946 by Truett Cathy, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in Hapeville, Georgia. The restaurant was open six days a week and closed on Sundays, so that employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose, according to the Chick-fil-A website.

The eatery serves a variety of chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, salads and sweet tea.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter: @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Chick-fil-A eyeing Massillon for new restaurant spot