CADILLAC — Plans are still in the works to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the corner of Boon and Plett roads in Haring Township, the township has confirmed.
Infrastructure Alternatives, the company that manages the township’s water and sewer system, was contacted a couple of weeks ago by representatives of Chick-fil-A, who indicated they were still ironing out details related to the lease agreement for the property.
At the end of 2024 that Chick-fil-A had submitted preliminary paperwork to build a restaurant in the township.
Haring Township Zoning Administrator Mike Green said the details are still being worked out with the company.
“The latest that I’m aware of is that they are moving forward,” Green said, “They are coming to us for variance for building setbacks. We e will be scheduling a public hearing here with probably within the next week or so. We’ll hear their request for that variance. Other than that, I don’t know anything for sure, at least on that on their end.”
Negotiations with developers and the current property owner were ongoing regarding extending water and sewer infrastructure to the site.
Chick-fil-A reportedly already had set up an escrow account to pay for the installation of storm water infrastructure and once details for water and sewer were addressed, the project would be ready to begin site work.
A sewer capacity study already was conducted to ensure Haring’s system could handle the restaurant.
The property currently contains a vacant strip mall-style building that previously housed several businesses, including a hydroponics shop, an insurance agency and a tobacco hub. The building is not connected to municipal water and sewer and instead uses a private well and septic tank.
According to Green, developers may need to submit an updated site plan once water and sewer plans are finalized and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy also would need to sign off on the water and sewer plans and issue a permit to build.
Green said there had been in discussions with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Wexford County Road Commission to prepare for additional traffic from Chick-fil-A and other future developments in the township.
“I don’t know all their schedules are (or) what their timelines are, but I do know that they’re moving forward with applications and reviews with the township,” Green said.
For more information on Chick-fil-A and its locations, click here.