The long-awaited arrival of a Chick-fil-A in Lancaster, is scheduled to open March 12, 2026. The general sentiment surrounding new business development in the area is often a topic of discussion for city officials.  According to the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, a spokeswoman for the company expressed that Chick-fil-A has shown enthusiasm “by the prospect of joining this community and serving guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality” (Barron). The Lancaster mayor and a few citizens were interviewed about their excitement of the new restaurant. 

“Chick-fil-A has a reputation as one of the most sought after restaurants in the United States. Everyone wants a Chick-fil-A in the community. By Chick-fil-A investing in Lancaster, I think it lets others know that Lancaster’s open for business. It’s also nice to have another fast food choice,” said Don McDaniel, Mayor of Lancaster. 

“Every teenager I’ve talked to seems pretty excited about Chick-fil-A. It’s a positive signal to central Ohio that Lancaster is, as I said, open for business. Chick-fil-A itself is hiring about one hundred people. That’s from management staff, all the way through part time food service.”

Chick-fil-A attended the 2024 LHS Career Fair recently to meet students as potential new hires.  

“We are looking to hire new team members who are dedicated to the company and ready to work. We also want to grow Chick-fil-A of Lancaster as a franchise,” said Jonathan Breyers, a representative of the company.  

Mayor McDaniel said a new access was constructed to make it easier for customers to go to the new Chick-fil-A location.

“We built an extra roadway from Columbus Street to Memorial Drive, called Becker Way. It allows access to Chick-fil-A from Becker Way. So, traffic is de

signed to come off Ety Road and Becker Way. Also, Chick-fil-A is one of the best in the industry at managing traffic. They have queuing. They queue vehicles on their property in high numbers-about 50 cars on their property, while Burger King can only que eight or ten. It’s a very effective plan,” said McDaniels.

Lancaster High School sophomore, Selah Zeuch, expressed her excitement about the new Chick-fil-A, and the new jobs that will be available, especially for teenagers.

“I feel like the new Chick-fil-A is going to be good for our community, and it will be really popular. I think it’s great that we’re getting so many new restaurants. I think it’s also an awesome opportunity for a lot of teenagers to try a part time job,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the breakfast items and the milkshakes. I’ve never tried the breakfast or the milkshakes but they look amazing and I’ve heard good things. I’d like to go back and get the spicy chicken sandwich and fries which I have tried before,” said Zeuch.

LHS sophomore Evie Schuetz showed strong enthusiasm about the new Chick-fil-A, especially about the menu and job opportunities.

“I’m  very excited about the new Chick-fil-A opening because it gets boring whenever you eat out at the same five  places and it adds new job opportunities and more varieties of food choices,” said Schuetz.

“What excites me most is that we have one so close. I myself love Chick-fil-A and I’m glad that I can have it more often now. The menu items I’m most excited for are their chicken nuggets and of course their waffles fries. I think the new Chick-fil-A will have a positive impact on our community because it opens up more job opportunities for kids my age and it’s good food,” said Schuetz.

LHS freshman Emery Browning is excited to eat the food from Chick-fil-A’s establishment, because it will be a new experience for her.

“I’m mostly excited for the food and to try it because I personally have never had Chick-fil-A but I’m also excited to see my friends that are going to work there when I get food.

I’m looking forward to trying the grilled chicken items they have on the menu and maybe some kind of cool drink they have on the menu,” said Browning.

“I think the new Chick-fil-A will have a positive impact on the community because I feel like it brings new jobs to the students here. Between the new high school being built and this Chick-fil-A, I feel like more students and families will be in our community, so having a new food chain for food and opportunity is good.”

For many, the excitement goes beyond chicken sandwiches. The anticipation reflects a community eager to celebrate together and embrace a fresh addition to its local landscape. People seem excited to share meals and experiences together at the new restaurant, and are ready  for many more to come.