Exclusive: Renton Chik-fil-A Location Revealed?

RENTON, WA - The loved but controversial Chick-fil-A chain will open its newest Puget Sound restaurant in Renton. That's according to a sign that popped up recently in the downtown area - but the company would not confirm that it's opening a Renton location.

The land-action sign is at at 361 Rainier Avenue South, which is at the corner of the main entrance to Fred Meyer. The restaurant will be about 4,100 square feet and will feature two drive-thru lanes. The plan for the restaurant is currently in administrative review, according to the public notice.

Here's what External Communications representative Jackie Jags sent Patch via email:

"We are always evaluating potential new locations in the hopes of serving existing and new customers great food with remarkable service. While we hope to serve the Renton community in the future, we do not currently have any locations to confirm."

Chick-fil-A has been infiltrating Puget Sound since 2015, when the chain opened a restaurant in Bellevue. Now, Chick-fil-A has restaurants in Puyallup, Tacoma, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Bothell, Covington, Federal Way, and Kirkland.

The Renton location will be the closest one to Seattle, about 3 miles south of the city line near Lakeridge Playfield. Chick-fil-A drew controversy a few years ago when CEO Dan T. Cathy came out against same-sex marriage. The chain's plans to open in Toronto caused outrage among residents, and a boycott is planned.

Photo by Patty Huzar/Patch