As Grosse Pointe welcomes its first Chick-fil-A, community members are expressing their excitement for the beloved fast food chain. Although there is much talk of increased traffic on the already busy street, everyone is ready to eat out at the newest addition to fast food places we have on Mack Avenue.
Manda Taylor, the Chick-fil-A’s owner operator, is a former eighth grade history teacher and cheer coach, but she always knew that she wanted to own a restaurant. So when she and her husband saw the opportunity, they took it.
“Me and my husband wanted something we could do together,” Taylor said. “And we always loved the idea of running a business together, and Chick-fil-A ended up being that place.”
As the anticipation and excitement grows, there is a bit of talk about whether or not there’s going to be lots of traffic, and it’s inevitable when a popular food chain, like Chick-fil-A, comes to town. While some people in the community worry about longer driving times and crowded parking lots, Stephen Warnick ’29 chooses to think on the brighter side of traffic.
“There is going to be a lot more [traffic], but I think it’s worth it because it can bring in more business and more people,” Warnick said.
Many people are still buzzing with excitement, even if some are upset about possible traffic, the appeal of a new restaurant is majorly supported and celebrated by the community. Makenzy Ramsey ’28, is one of many that is eagerly awaiting the opening of the Chick-fil-A.
“I’m excited to just have one local to us and not have to drive far to get it,” Ramsey said. “I think it will make a great addition to Grosse Pointe.”
Chick-fil-A is expected, by many, to be beneficial to both Grosse Pointe’s economy and society as a whole, along with the addition of another option for students at South. Especially when you’re on a time crunch, but still want an actual meal. Taylor hopes that the environment will be able to bring customers the joy of going to a Chick-fil-A and feel welcomed by all staff members.
“My husband and I are excited to be the franchise owners of this location,” Taylor said. “We really want to just bring joy into this community and a place to just gather as a community.”
