It’s not the oldest business at Meadowbrook Mall, but it’s certainly among the oldest. One thing is for sure, based on the lines you see there it’s definitely among the most popular.

 

The good news is that it doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon. According to Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman, Chick-fil-A recently acquired a building permit to do $30,000 worth of renovation to a store that Spellman said been in place decades.

 

Meadowbrook Mall Property Manager confirmed that Spellman’s observation was correct. Although not one of the handful of original stores when the mall opened in the early 1980s, Chick-fil-A was right behind. Lalama said the store’s beginnings go back to January of 1984.

 

“I think this project shows their commitment to the mall and whenever you see renovations being done by a long-time tenant it’s certainly a good thing showing they have faith that good business will continue,” said  Lalama. “We’ve been seeing that at the mall with multiple businesses.”

 

Spellman echoed that.

 

“When you start putting tens of thousands of dollars into a renovation it clearly shows a commitment,” said Spellman. “I think they’re saying they plan on being around her for years to come.”

 

Lalama said the work will involve store infrastructure and customers shouldn’t notice too much of a change to their current dining experience. However, a wall will be removed and the existing small restrooms will be eliminated to help expand the kitchen space.

 

“Most of the work will be in the kitchen area,” said Lalama.

 

Spellman said the restaurant is not required to have bathrooms on the site. The reason for that, he said, is that it is in close enough proximity to the existing restrooms in the Meadowbrook Mall Food Court.

 

The contractor for the Chick Fil A project is Prairie Contractors, Inc. out of Frankfurt, Illinois. Spellman said he believes they handle work for the company across the nation.

 

As for when the work will be completed, Lalama said an exact timeline has not been established.

 

“This is more good news for the mall, which is still at capacity. That business has been there for that long and all you have to do is walk by it at any time of the day and there is usually a long line there, which tells you they’re still thriving,” said Spellman. “If that doesn’t tell you, the fact they’re putting in this type of money 30-plus years later should.”