Centre County’s only Chick-fil-A won’t be closed much longer. Here’s what we know
Sixteen weeks after renovations first started, Centre County’s only Chick-fil-A location remains closed — but the company says customers won’t have to wait much longer.
In an email, Chick-fil-A told the CDT that it expects to reopen later this month. It did not address reasons for the delay — construction was expected to take about 12 weeks — and it did not offer a more specific timetable.
Patton Township officials could not offer more information, on either the delay or reopening, although they acknowledged no changes were requested from the original plan approved months ago by the supervisors. Messages for further information also went unreturned from the Happy Valley location’s Facebook page.
“We are in the final stages of equipment installation, inspections and preparing for reopening,” Chick-fil-A said in an email. “We appreciate all of the patience the community has afforded us during this remodel. We expect to reopen this month and are eager to serve the State College community our delicious food and warm hospitality once again.”
The restaurant at 1938 N. Atherton St. closed on June 16, as part of planned renovations that were first publicly discussed with the township’s zoning hearing board in December 2021. Changes include the construction of a second drive-through, in addition to renovations focused on increasing efficiency, expanding the kitchen and modernizing the location.
The popular site was known for significant traffic congestion, with vehicles that often spilled from the drive-through lane onto North Atherton Street. But, after construction, Chick-fil-A officials estimated the drive through will be able to fit about 42 cars — compared to the 14-15 before construction.
Another company official previously estimated, based on similar locations, that the Happy Valley location could serve about 100 cars per hour before renovations — but should be able to serve about 250 an hour after construction.
The Happy Valley location’s official Facebook page has not posted an update since Sept. 3. But, in a reply to one customer, it acknowledged there will no longer be a play area in the new design.
Until the restaurant reopens, locals have limited options when it comes to the “home of the original chicken sandwich.” The closest (open) Chick-fil-A location to Centre County is in the food court at Lock Haven University, with the next-closest in Altoona.
