Second Chick-fil-A location opens Thursday in Spokane with traffic plan in place

SPOKANE, Wash. — A second Chick-fil-A location opens Thursday in Spokane, bringing the popular fast-casual restaurant closer to residents on the South Hill and Valley who previously had to travel 15 minutes north to access the chain’s only other location in the area.

Owner Lizzie Minkner selected the Ruby and Sinto location specifically to serve the southern portion of Spokane. “I think the more Chick-fil-A, the more the merrier,” Minkner said. “The north Spokane location, it’s only about 15 minutes away, but there’s a lot of stop lights up and down. I think there’s a lot of people towards the valley and the South Hill that don’t want to make that drive all the time.”

The new restaurant comes after months of construction. Residents in the area have expressed enthusiasm about having a Chick-fil-A nearby, eliminating the need for a lengthy commute to the North Spokane location.

Minkner worked with the Spokane Police Department to develop a traffic management strategy for the area. The plan addresses concerns about potential congestion on Mission and Ruby streets during the busy opening weekend.

“We thought about that and we heard the community talk about that,” Minkner said. “We have traffic control all grand opening weekend from open to close. We’ll have the Mission entrance blocked off for exit only with a police car so guests can come in and out quickly.”

The traffic control measures will remain in place throughout the entire grand opening weekend, ensuring that incoming and outgoing traffic flows smoothly and prevents backups on surrounding streets.

The restaurant is offering free entrees to anyone who arrives on opening day dressed like a cow, continuing Chick-fil-A’s signature promotional tradition.

Minkner has assembled a team of more than 120 employees to staff the new location. Many of the hires come from Gonzaga University and other local colleges, providing employment opportunities for students in the Spokane area.