NEW CHICK-FIL-A LOCATION

A new Chick-fil-A is set to open in northwest Rochester, replacing the long-vacant Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon site at 300 17th Avenue NW, near the Miracle Mile Shopping Center. Wild Bill’s had occupied the spot since 2012, following TGI Friday’s, before abruptly closing in July 2022. Chick-fil-A filed formal redevelopment plans in September 2024, proposing a 5,000–5,500 square foot fast-casual restaurant with a drive-thru, dine-in seating, and outdoor patio. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with a targeted opening in the fall.

To accommodate projected peak volumes of up to 200 cars per hour, Chick-fil-A received approval to expand on-site parking from 55 to 103 spaces. The updated lot includes around 50 customer spaces, 30 for employees, and 20 shared with Olive Garden next door. While this is fewer than the 147 spaces Wild Bill’s previously had, the new design focuses on improved traffic circulation and shared access with nearby businesses, which planners hope will minimize neighborhood impact.

The development includes a significant increase in landscaping, with green space coverage rising from 9% to 21.5%. Plans also feature pedestrian pathways, bike racks, and an outdoor seating area—improvements aimed at creating a more walkable and visually appealing site.

Local feedback has played a role in shaping the project. At an October 2024 neighborhood meeting, residents—especially those along 16th Avenue NW—expressed concerns about spillover traffic and parking. In response, the site plan incorporates several mitigation strategies, including keeping all employee parking on-site, using shared driveways to manage traffic flow, and committing to post-opening monitoring to assess whether further changes are needed.

The new Chick-fil-A will be located between Olive Garden and Denny’s, just off Highway 52, and will complement the existing location on Broadway Ave S, which opened in 2017. Supporters view the project as a positive step in revitalizing a key commercial property and providing new jobs and activity in a highly visible part of town.

With final approvals in place, the redevelopment marks a notable shift for the property—transforming a once-busy sports bar corner into a modern quick-service restaurant designed for today’s dining and traffic patterns.