Rumor Solved: Is Chick-Fil-A Opening in Somers Point?

Chick-fil-A has ranked as the most popular food restaurant in America for customer satisfaction for the past 9 years, so when there is talk of the fast-food chain opening in your city, it gets a lot of attention.

Such is the case in Somers Point, where the rumor has been bubbling under for months. We decided to look into that rumor.

Is Chick-fil-A Opening in Somers Point?

It would appear that Chick-fil-A is not opening in Somers Point at this time.

How Did This Chick-fil-A in Somers Point Rumor Get Started?

It was actually more than a rumor. There was a plan to build a Chick-fil-A and other businesses on New Road in Somers Point, according to Somers Point Councilman Sean T. McGuigan.

What Was the Plan to Bring Chick-fil-A to Somers Point?

McGuigan told me that "a developer came before our Technical Review Committee (TRC) about 6 or 7 months ago and presented a plan to build a Chick-Fil-A, Panera Bread, and a Day Care Center on the site of McNaughton’s Garden Center."

Was the Plan Approved?

Yes, it was. Again, Councilman McGuigan's response.

The plan was met favorably and the next steps were layout for the developer. Those steps include scheduling a presentation at the planning board, obtaining various permits, etc.

Why Is The Plan Not Becoming Reality?

The city hasn't heard back from the developer and McGuigan seems to think they won't at this point.

Why Would the Developer Drop Out After Winning Approval?

It could be many reasons -- almost all of them financial. The developer may not have completed the sale of the property or may have found today's higher interest rates to be a dealbreaker.