Ohio County Development Authority Reports Plans are Cooking for Chick-fil-A at The Highlands
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The Ohio County Development Authority approved construction of a Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant at The Highlands in Ohio County on Tuesday.
Following the approval of a motion at the conclusion of the authority's regular meeting, authority President Randy Wharton said a closing agreement with Chick-fil-A is scheduled to be complete on June 24, and authority members expect the restaurant chain to begin construction soon after closing on a 1-acre lot located between WesBanco and Cheddars.
Chick-fil-A is an American fast food restaurant chain headquartered in the city of College Park, Georgia. It specializes in chicken sandwiches.
Founded in May 1946, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,200 restaurants, primarily in the United States, with 20 locations throughout West Virginia.
The Chick-fil-A at The Highlands is the second one announced for the local area in recent weeks. In March, Joe Bell, spokesman for Cafaro Co. which owns the Ohio Valley Mall, said the restaurant will be coming to that retail center in St. Clairsville as well. That new restaurant will encompass nearly 5,000 square feet and include a drive-thru lane. It is anticipated that it will be ready to welcome its first customers before the end of the year.
The development authority also approved a lease agreement for 1,600 square feet inside the West Liberty University Highlands Center for a new golf simulator business and a lease agreement for 1,700 square feet inside the Town Centre for Payton's Pretties Consignment Boutique LLC, which is relocating to The Highlands from Elm Grove.
In other business, Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart informed development authority members that he expects at least three of The Highlands' newest tenants -- Hobby Lobby, Starbucks and Xfinity -- to be open by late July or early August. He said Hobby Lobby officials informed him that they hope to have construction of their building complete in June, with a July 15 opening date.
"We hope they make the July 15 date," Stewart noted.