Chick-fil-A Oakwood, only a mile down Mundy Mill Road from University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus, shut its doors in the Publix shopping center for good and moved to its new location across the highway. The new building is part of a massive project for the fast-food company, closing down its old-school look for a fresh new one.
The former Oakwood location had been on the corner of Mundy Mill Road and Atlanta Highway for the last 24 years, but the new location is much like other recent renovations taking place at Chick-fil-A restaurants. It features a much larger parking lot and still offers plenty of parking spaces for curbside orders.
“We felt the need to get a larger, new building because we maxed out our capacity of the existing lot,” explained Chick-fil-A Oakwood Chief of Staff Drew Turner. “We outgrew it and needed more space, thanks to the loyalty from our incredible guests and community.”
Another benefit of the new location include a larger kitchen, allowing for more efficient and organized cooking. The new building has created over 35 new jobs, and more jobs will be created as the adjustment continues. The entire drive-thru is now two lanes throughout and orders will be brought out by an employee to the guest’s car in either lane, as opposed to the window from the old location. The proximity to UNG Gainesville and schools in the community was considered in the design and multiple tables have outlets where guests can charge a phone or laptop and study at several of their 110 seats, including a 40-seat patio.
“We have seen a massive boom in the area, with increased new housing, retail stores and restaurants in the area. Oakwood is a hotspot at the moment and we hope to be a big part of that.” – Chick-fil-A Oakwood Chief of Staff Drew Turner
Additionally, starting Aug. 26, Chick-fil-A introduced their new seasonal items for the autumn season, the Honey Pepper Pimento sandwich and the Banana Pudding Milkshake.
The Honey Pepper Pimento sandwich made a much-anticipated return after being first introduced a year ago. It is a regular Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich with jalapeños instead of pickles and the chicken drizzled in honey and topped with pimento cheese. The filet is fried but can be ordered grilled or spicy.
Joining the sandwich on the seasonal menu is the Banana Pudding Milkshake. The milkshake last appeared as a seasonal item 14 years ago, and features a mixture of banana, vanilla cookie wafers and Chick-fil-A’s signature Icedream. Similar to the restaurant’s other milkshakes, it is topped with whipped cream and cherry, which can be omitted upon request. The restaurant also offers a Banana Pudding Frosted Coffee, which blends their cold-brewed coffee, banana, vanilla cookie wafers and Icedream mix into one drink.
The Oakwood location celebrates its 24-year anniversary in October.
