Chick-fil-A opens after weeks of uncertainty

Davidson’s newest dining option, Chick-fil-A, opened on Monday after administrators previously said the location might not open until as late as after winter break due to construction delays. The opening date was announced to students by a Student Government Association (SGA) email on Friday. 

SGA was notified early afternoon on Friday, just a few hours before they sent an email to students. SGA Vice President Harry Carter ‘28 was caught by surprise. “I only found out two [to] three hours before the email was sent out,” Carter said.

Some students were  confused because the announcement came after mixed messages from administrators. “I was very surprised, because I had heard so many different things, like that it could be next semester,” Leah Norton ‘28 said.

Director of Auxiliary Services Richard Terry explained that building inspectors, health department inspectors and Chick-fil-A corporate all came together to make the project successful. 

The difference in expected opening dates was driven by the ability to meet multiple codes and inspections. “You don’t really know until the very end when the inspector from the county comes out, whether they’re going to say [if] that’s a problem,” Terry said.

The week prior to Chick-fil-A’s opening, students began to see trucks, staff getting trained and materials being brought to the new location. Although rumors began around campus, nothing was heard from the school officially. 

Disappointment quickly turned to excitement. “People were resigned to the fact that it was going to be [opening] next semester. It was really exciting for people to see the Chick-fil-A workers and the trucks around campus, and then right after seeing it opening,” Carter said.

Most students’ first impression was excitement despite the wait. “I was just ecstatic. I wanted this thing open already. I was just glad it was opening sooner than I thought it was,” Cayden Curtiss ‘28 said.

“I’ve heard pretty much all positive [feedback]. People love Chick-fil-A in general, and are excited about any new dining option on campus,” Carter said.

The project, which began over two years ago, was a collective effort. “I think it shows an engaged community that people do care and want things changed,” Carter said.

Terry also said that the reason Chick-fil-A was brought to campus in the first place was a result of student feedback and decisions. “The fact that we have it at all [is a result of] student emphasis. Students over the years have been really clear about that consistently,” Terry said.

“Chick-fil-A will bring a lot of people and provide another space for people to see each other and be a part of the Davidson community,” Carter concluded.