After what has seemed like an eternity of waiting, there is finally new information about the developments of arguably one of the most famous and anticipated restaurants. Can you guess what beloved chain is, at last, coming to Sioux Falls? I am talking about the iconic fast-food franchise, Chick-Fil-A of course. Adoring customers finally have an estimation of when the world-class chicken nuggets and tangy Chick-Fil-A sauce will be coming to town.

The news that the chain was opening a location in Sioux Falls was initially announced by Mayor Paul TenHaken back in March of 2020 with plans of construction beginning that summer. The public was excited as that also meant the restaurant would open its doors for customers by late 2020 as well. Unfortunately, COVID-19 interrupted those promising plans and there had not been any new updates since March. However recently, Clinton Fraley, the project manager for Buffalo Construction, Inc. (the company that will be in charge of the build), disclosed on a LinkedIn post that his crews will start construction for the project in mid-April.

“Our team is extremely excited to help bring one of our biggest and best clients to South Dakota!” said Fraley on a LinkedIn post.

Fraley also added more details about the construction and how long the project will take.

“This curb in, pad ready site should be a quick build as the walls will come pre-fabricated,” said Fraley. “Buffalo Construction, Inc. will be using mostly local Sioux Falls vendor partners (subcontractors) to complete this project.”

Aligning with the original plans announced back in March 2020, the location in Sioux Falls will be located at Empire Place on 41st Street in front of the Empire Mall and next to Chipotle. Raquel Blount, vice president of commercial real estate for Lloyd Companies, which oversees the Empire Place project, said earlier this year that Chick-fil-A would likely open in fall 2021. However, with construction beginning in a matter of a few weeks and the expectation of a quick and easy build, it is also possible that the long-awaited restaurant could open sooner than first expected.

Regardless of when Chick-Fil-A is able to open its doors to the anxiously awaiting chicken fanatics, it is sure to bring in a lot of business, contributing to Sioux Falls’ already growing culinary market. In the meantime, you can check out Slim Chickens or Buffalo Wild Wings as less superior options that will satisfy your chicken cravings.