After nearly three years, Chick-fil-A is set to officially return to University Place mall in Chapel Hill.
The popular fast-food chain announced on Thursday it will be opening its latest location, at 241 South Estes Drive, on September 5. Nate MacDonald, a Triangle resident who owns the Chick-fil-A location off Renaissance Parkway in southern Durham, will also own and operate this new restaurant.
“I am truly humbled by the opportunity to continue serving our Guests in the Triangle area in a greater capacity,” MacDonald said in a release from Chick-fil-A sharing the opening details. “Serving the community is a cause I’m passionate about, and my hope for this new restaurant is to make Guests and Team Members feel cared for in a personal way.”
Previously, Chick-fil-A had a space within University Place’s main mall building — but the franchise closed in November 2021 ahead of the mall’s extensive redevelopment and focus on having businesses with external entrances. Before long, though, plans emerged for the restaurant to set up shop in a new spot: the footprint of the K&W Cafeteria toward the eastern border of the mall property alongside Fordham Boulevard. The old building was town down to construct a brand new facility, which will be accessible from the mall’s Fordham Boulevard entrance road.
The location will have drive-thru lanes — which was initially a point of contention to the neighboring Binkley Baptist Church — as well as dine-in, carry-out, Mobile Thru, delivery and catering options for patrons. According to Thursday’s announcement, the new restaurant will employee more than 100 people, and provide a spot for MacDonald’s staff at the Renaissance Parkway location to earn hours while that franchise continues its own remodeling.

The opening of the restaurant sets another mark in the ongoing redevelopment of University Place, which is owned by Ram Realty. Beyond Chick-fil-A, the rest of the eastern and southern portions of the mall property are continuing construction of several new buildings in the footprint of the old Southern Season location. Additional businesses, like Curry Up Now and Jeni’s Ice Cream, are expected to eventually operate there. More details on the redevelopment and visioning for University Place can be found on the mall’s website.
The University Place Chick-fil-A franchise’s hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. — including on its opening day, Thursday, September 5.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹

University Place Fences Off More Property, Begins Prep for Apartment ConstructionFences have been set up at University Place, near to Willow Drive. An apartment complex is set to be built at the site.

Chick-fil-A Considers Drive-Thru at University Place; Binkley Baptist Urges for ChangePart of the extensive redevelopment of University Place mall in Chapel Hill may include the addition of a Chick-fil-A location with drive-thru lanes. But a popular church directly neighboring the property is asking for some of the plans to be reconsidered. Ram Realty, the development company who purchased University Place in 2018, is […]

University Place Extends Lease of County Recycling Center Through MayAfter the Orange County government initially shared that a popular recycling center in Chapel Hill would be closing, a new deal has been struck for it to continue a few months more. Leadership for University Place shared the 24-hour drop-off recycling center at the corner of its property, near the Circle K gas station, had […]

University Place Undergoes Phase 1 of RenovationThe indoor portion of University Place is entirely closed off to the public amid Governor Cooper’s stay-at-home order. But there’s some renovation going on both inside and out that will make the mall different the next time patrons visit. Phase 1 of redevelopment of the University Place mall has begun, with construction work being done […]

Transit, Stormwater Among Concerns for Redevelopment of University Place in Chapel HillOwnership of the University Place mall continued to receive their first round of feedback on concept plans of a reimagining of the property. The Chapel Hill Town Council shared their impressions of the initial designs last week. The council’s review of the concept plans came just eight days after Ram Realty, the ownership group of […]

Chapel Hill Commission 'Underwhelmed' by University Place Concept Plans Heading to Town CouncilThe ownership group of the University Place mall recently received its first feedback from the Town of Chapel Hill regarding concept plans submitted for renovations to the mall. When it purchased the mall in 2018, Ram Realty announced it would aim to make updates that would modernize the property and create a “town center” for […]

Chapel Hill Farmers' Market Celebrates 10th AnniversaryDespite the rain, many people ventured to University Place to celebrate the Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market’s 10th anniversary. The Chapel Hill Town Council also declared Saturday, May 19, 2018 to be Chapel Hill Farmers’ Market Day. The market was founded in 2008 by local farmers. They support local farmers and artisans within a 60-mile radius […]

Frame & Print Shop Relocating Within Chapel Hill Mall; Here's Where and WhenOne of University Place’s longest-standing businesses is once again transitioning to a new space at the Chapel Hill mall. The Frame & Print Shop, currently located in Suite 400C of 201 Estes Drive, is relocating and expanding this weekend to Suite 102 at University Place — which will put the locally-owned custom framing business in […]

WakeMed Opens MyCare 365 Clinic, Urgent Care at Chapel Hill's University PlaceOne of University Place mall's newer tenants, WakeMed MyCare 365 Primary and Urgent Care, recently began welcoming visitors in Chapel Hill.

Chick-fil-A Set to Open New Chapel Hill Location on September 5The popular fast-food chain announced on Thursday it will be opening its latest Chick-fil-A location at 241 South Estes Drive.
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines