Chick-fil-A to remodel Jackson Township location, eliminate play area to add indoor seats

JACKSON TWP. ‒ A Chick-fil-A location is going to temporarily close for two weeks later this month for a major remodeling project that will eliminate the children's play area to add more indoor seating.

The busy store at 5411 Dressler Road NW (near Everhard Road NW) will shut down May 20 before reopening on June 3 "with an improved drive-thru experience" and 18 more seats inside.

Owner-operator George Rosche said Chick-fil-A corporate and a design team weighed several factors before making the remodeling decision.

“Customer feedback and the busyness of this location weighed heavily in the final decisions. Removing the play area was a difficult decision; even our own kids grew up playing in the CFA play area,” he said.

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Why is the Jackson Township Chick-fil-A remodeling?

Rosche said employees sometimes have to bag a waiting customer’s order at the counter, informing them there are no dine-in seats available.

Currently, there are 102 seats in the dining room, plus 15 outdoor seats. The remodel will bring the location to 120 seats in the dining room and the same number (15) of patio seats.

On the back end of COVID, maintaining a sanitized play area environment has become increasingly difficult for the health and safety of all concerned, he said.

“Our goal is to always maintain a clean and safe environment in the restaurant, and a play area is no exception,” Rosche said.

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Rosche has a team of creative staffers are working on doing more with the community of kids that dine at the location. Story time with the cow is just one upcoming idea, he said, with more fun events planned.

A private break area for staff is also in the works. Staff currently sits near the Door Dash pick up area, and taking a real break becomes difficult in that setting, he said.

The drive-thru will be remodeled for faster, more efficient service, including a walk-through main door to serve food more efficiently and quickly.

Rosche added, “Our ultimate goal with the remodel is to continue to serve the community the best way we know how – providing fantastic food with a smile and a ‘My pleasure.’”

New of the Chick-fil-A remodel drew immediate feedback

The announcement drew plenty of comments on Facebook, with many unhappy about losing the play area.

"This is very sad! Honestly one of the main reasons we chose Chikfila is for play dates. Our girls always look forward to it," said one commenter.

"That is super disappointing, yes it may free up space but decrease people coming in as well. I know we have chosen to go to Chick-fil-a because there is a play area," wrote another.

"Oh no! My son loves the play place! We go weekly just to play there after we eat!!" wrote another.

Others are embracing the change.

"I've been saying for some time that the play area needs to go and then add more seating. Yes, yes, yes!!!"

Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Chick-fil-A in Jackson Township plans two-week shut down and remodel