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
‹
Section of Estes Drive Back Open Following Downed Power Lines
The road is back open, according to Chapel Hill Police. #EstesDr has reopened. #ThankYou for your patience. @chpublib @chccs @CarolinaChamber https://t.co/Q1iqyRItH4 — Chapel Hill Police (@ChapelHillPD) August 5, 2020 A section of Estes Drive is closed due to downed power lines. According to Chapel Hill Police, Estes Drive is closed from Halifax Road to […]
Joint Police Station Concept in Chapel Hill Prompts Public Meeting
A new emergency services facility may be coming to Chapel Hill, but the debate on the suitability of its proposed location is simmering as the approval process continues. Town officials hosted a meeting on Monday to address grievances issued by residents like Randall Barrow, who claimed that consolidation may not be apt. “Suddenly, there’s this […]
NCDOT Looking into Options for Carrboro Intersection
There have been six car crashes at the intersection of Greensboro Street and Estes Drive Extension in Carrboro since 2012. Although the wrecks aren’t all the same, most were due to lag at stop lights. “We’ve hired a consultant to help us identify what the deficiencies are out there,” said Chris Smitherman, Division Design Engineer. […]
Traffic Returns to Normal on Estes Drive After Wreck
Traffic is flowing normally once again on Estes Drive.**** A wreck on Estes Drive has shut down traffic in both directions, multiple motorists have told WCHL. One witness reported that emergency crews were on the scene. The accident appears to have occurred between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Phillips Middle School. There is […]
Central West Group Struggles Ahead Of Fall Deadline
The 17-member group tasked with imagining the future of Estes Drive is struggling to come up with a shared vision.
Chapel Hill: Downed Tree Shuts Down West Cameron Avenue
Chapel Hill officials are asking drivers to find alternate routes as a downed tree has shut down a portion of West Cameron Avenue.
‘Mind Your Business’: Local Openings, Closings and Updates in July-September 2025
From major flood damage and closures, to reopenings and new business announcements, here are local highlights from July to September 2025.
Carrboro: Roads Closed Due To Multiple Down Power Lines Following Crash
The Town of Carrboro released a traffic alert following an accident that brought down multiple power lines.
Chapel Hill Police: Crash on Estes Drive Injures Teen Cyclist
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a collision between a driver and teenaged bicyclist on Friday that left the bicyclist injured. An alert issued by police said officers responded to a report of a crash in the 300 block of North Estes Drive in Chapel Hill at 3:45 p.m. Officers say 61-year-old resident Karla […]
Chick-fil-A Set to Open New Chapel Hill Location on September 5
The popular fast-food chain announced on Thursday it will be opening its latest Chick-fil-A location at 241 South Estes Drive.
›