Vernon Hills Village Board Paves Way for Chick-fil-A

After presenting a preliminary plan in June to open a new location on Milwaukee Avenue, Chick-fil-A went before the Vernon Hills Village Board again on Oct. 2, receiving support for a new parking and building layout.

“Tonight was the recommendation to draft the ordinance to approve,” said Assistant Village Manager John Kalmar.

. The main entrance was placed next the to the drive-thru lanes, forcing pedestrians to walk through the lanes of traffic to enter the building. The new plans solved this problem, along with other minor issues.

“First of all, my compliments on the new design,” said Trustee Thom Koch. “I appreciate the fact that you listened to what we said, and it looks like it turned out to be a better reconfiguration for you in terms of parking and seating.”

The building will be located in the spot currently occupied by Pier One Imports, which will be demolished. The new building will house 126 seats, an interior play area and 20 outdoor seats, as well as a parking lot and drive-thru lanes.

Jason Hill, a representative from Chick-fil-A’s design and construction department, presented the new plans to the board also announcing that the prototype in the plans is currently going through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. It will include reflective roofing, energy efficient lighting, and floor and wall tile made out of recycled materials.

Village President Roger Byrne welcomed Hill and his team to Vernon Hills. The village will now draft the ordinance to approve Chick-fil-A’s plans on the consent agenda Oct.16.

Read more about Chick-fil-A:

• Chick-fil-A Wants to Open Vernon Hills Location
• Local Readers Express Support for Chick-fil-A