There’s a new eatery in the busy Lexington-Springmill corridor in nearby Ontario, a place most Galionites know well.
After being under construction for the last several weeks, Chick-fil-A will open its newest Richland County restaurant on Thursday, November 5, at 6:30 AM, bringing approximately 130 full- and part-time jobs to the area. The restaurant, located at 897 N. Lexington-Springmill Road, will be locally operated by Drew Foster, who has relocated to Richland County with his family.
The opening will feature dine-in service, drive-thru ordering, carry-out, third-party delivery, and mobile pickup.
A Grand Opening With Spots
The restaurant is inviting customers to celebrate with a “Moove-In Party” on opening day, complete with a special offer for those who embrace Chick-fil-A’s familiar cow theme. Anyone arriving dressed in cow attire, whether in full costume or a simple spotted accessory, can receive one free entrée or kid’s meal. The offer will be available inside the restaurant and through the drive-thru.
Regulars know that breakfast selections include a Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit, Egg White Grill, or four-count Chick-n-Minis. During lunch and dinner, eligible choices include the original or spicy chicken sandwich, eight-count grilled or regular nuggets, or a five-count nugget kids’ meal.
The promotion is limited to one free item per person wearing cow attire, while supplies last. No purchase is required.
A New Chapter for a Local Operator
For Foster, the Ontario opening represents the realization of a goal that began when he joined Chick-fil-A as a Team Member in 2018. His interest in the restaurant business developed into an ambition to operate his own location after receiving guidance from an experienced Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator. He subsequently entered the company’s Leadership Development Program, gaining operational and management experience at restaurants throughout the Midwest.
Now living in Richland County with his wife, Courtney, and their three children, Foster says the area’s community pride and ongoing investment helped attract his family.
“My family and I were drawn to Richland County because of the pride people take in this community and the exciting investments being made in its future,” Foster said.
He hopes the restaurant will become more than a place to purchase a meal, emphasizing opportunities for employees to develop their skills and advance professionally.
“Early in my career, someone saw potential in me and gave me the opportunity to grow into a leader,” he said. “That experience changed the course of my life, and it’s something I hope to pass on to others.”
Foster plans to work alongside employees in the restaurant’s daily operations.
Jobs and Community Support
Beyond the addition of approximately 130 jobs, the opening will bring several community initiatives to the Ontario area. Chick-fil-A, Inc. is marking the occasion with a $25,000 donation to Feeding America in support of hunger relief efforts through the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which serves the region.
The Ontario-Mansfield restaurant will also participate in Chick-fil-A Shared Table, a national program that directs surplus food from participating restaurants to local nonprofit organizations. According to the company, the program has helped provide more than 50 million meals, with over 2,700 restaurants participating. Employees at the new location will have access to training and mentoring opportunities, with eligible Team Members also able to apply for educational scholarships.
What Customers Should Know
Chick-fil-A Ontario-Mansfield will operate Monday through Saturday, from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Like other Chick-fil-A restaurants, the location will be closed on Sundays.
The menu will feature the chain’s familiar chicken sandwiches, nuggets, breakfast offerings, and other selections. Those interested in employment opportunities can find information through the Ontario-Mansfield restaurant’s careers page.
For customers eager to visit on November 5, the invitation is simple: Come hungry, and don’t forget the spots.
Source, Photo: Chick-fil-A