The new Chick-Fil-A on Mack Avenue officially opened on Nov. 13, drawing significant attention from the community. While the food quality was consistent with what I personally expect from the chain, several aspects of the location’s setup created challenges, especially on its first day.
One of the most notable limitations is the absence of indoor dining. Although there is an option to place orders outside through the take-out window, there is no indoor seating available. The location does offer a small patio with a few tables; however, this is not a practical option during the colder months.
The drive-thru experience on opening day was particularly hectic. The line extended out of the parking lot and directly onto Mack Avenue, creating delays and minor traffic issues. The full drive-thru wait took approximately 25 minutes, which differed from the 10 minutes it took to order and receive food at the carry-out window. While some issues are to be expected on the first day, I expect these delays might improve as operations settle.
Parking also proved to be a challenge. The lot is relatively small, and was filled to capacity when I went. As a result, I had to park on a nearby street and walk over. While manageable, it is inconvenient as it affects both customers, like myself, and nearby residents.
Despite these concerns, the food itself met expectations. The chicken sandwich ordered during both visits was prepared well and served hot, and staff seemed to be working efficiently despite the high volume of customers.
Overall, the new Chick-Fil-A offers a closer and more convenient option for residents in Grosse Pointe and the east side of Detroit, as the nearest location was previously about 20 minutes away. However, the lack of indoor seating, extended drive-thru waits and limited parking impacted my personal experience. As the initial rush slows, the efficiency and convenience of the location may improve, but at present, its technical setbacks are important to consider.
