After years of on-and-off opposition stemming from neighbors’ concerns about traffic safety and congestion, Chick-fil-A is opening its newest restaurant in North Jacksonville.
The nationwide quick-service giant known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes, plans to open at 6 a.m. May 29 at 705 Duval Station Road — across the street from First Coast High School — in the Oceanway neighborhood.
The Oceanway restaurant is the second in Jacksonville from franchise owner and operator Chuck Campbell. He is also the franchisee of the Chick-fil-A at 14020 Lunar Drive at River City Marketplace.
“We look forward to this opportunity to deepen our impact, bringing people together and giving back to causes that are personal to our community. Our team is excited to connect with new Guests and share the same care and hospitality that have always been at the heart of what we do,” Campbell said in a news release announcing the restaurant opening.
Campbell has been with Chick-fil-A since 1994, beginning at the chain’s West Palm Beach restaurant. In 2006, he became owner/operator of the River City Marketplace restaurant. Campbell will continue that restaurant in addition to the Oceanway location, Chick-fil-A officials said in the news release.
“We’re so grateful for the support and care the Jacksonville community has poured into our team and family for more than 20 years,” Campbell said in the news release.
Neighbors’ concerns slowed Oceanway restaurant
The Oceanway opening comes after vocal opposition — dating back to early 2023 — from neighborhood residents, citing concerns about traffic safety and congestion that would be caused by the restaurant’s drive-thru.
In June 2024, the Jacksonville City Council approved the Chick-fil-A site plan — clearing the way for construction of the restaurant. The action came after Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr., who represents that area, successfully brought forward a floor amendment requiring multiple changes to the plan.
Those changes required the installation of a traffic light at the corner of Duval Station Road and Bradley Cove Road. Other measures addressed the outside of the restaurant to minimize harm to the neighborhood.
The 1.39-acre tract bordered by Duval Station Road, Bradley Cove Road and Lady Lake Road previously had been zoned for a McDonald’s with a different configuration on the property.
Chick-fil-A, in announcing the opening, noted it had “worked closely with Jacksonville officials, police department and neighboring businesses to develop a plan to alleviate congestion during high-volume periods.”
‘Moove-In Party’ opening celebration
Chick-fil-A is hosting a “Moove-In Party” on opening day featuring a variety of festivities.
On May 29, anyone dressed in cow attire — either a full cow suit or just a cow-spotted accessory — can redeem an offer for one free entree or kids’ meal inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru. The offer is limited to one per person in cow attire, per day, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary, according to the news release.
The breakfast offer options are a Chicken Biscuit, Egg White Grill or 4-count Chicken-Minis. The lunch and dinner options are a Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, eight-count Grilled Nuggets, eight-count original Chicken Nuggets or a five-count Nugget Kid’s Meal.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. says it is the third-largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. The Atlanta-based chain has more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and Singapore, according to its website.
The 5,033-square-foot Oceanway restaurant is among about 20 Chick-fil-A locations in Jacksonville, the website shows.
Chick-fil-A is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Chick-fil-A sets opening of once-controversial Jacksonville restaurant
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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