MAR 18, 2020 | CARRI GRAHAM | Times Leader Staff Writer
T-L Photo/Carri Graham/ The new St. Clairsville Chick-fil-A will open its drive-thru on Thursday.
CLAIRSVILLE — Amidst the closings of many local eateries one restaurant will proceed with its grand opening via a drive-thru window — Chick-fil-A will open Thursday morning in St. Clairsville.
Although Chick-fil-A will not open its doors, it will open its windows to new customers. The chicken chain is proceeding with its grand opening however it will welcome customers through its drive-thru window only.
The chicken chain was originally planning to host a grand opening celebration to begin the night prior in which the first 100 new customers would receive a year’s supply of Chick-fil-A meals. The “12-hour First 100 Campout” was subsequently canceled due to concerns pertaining to the coronavirus.
As of Tuesday no give-aways are planned during the opening.
The new restaurant will encompass nearly 5,000 square feet and will bring nearly 110 new jobs to the community, according to officials.
The fast food eatery is located next to Longhorn Steakhouse beside the Ohio Valley Mall.
Whilst the Ohio Department of health has restricted the operations of restaurants across the state due to COVID-19, the Ohio Valley Mall said they are continuing to provide residents of the valley tasty food options.
Joe Bell, spokesman for Cafaro Co., the mall’s parent company, said there are 17 various restaurants and eateries at the mall that will continue to serve food on a carry-out or delivery basis.
“As much as we know it has caused an inconvenience for a lot of people, it’s a reasonable compromise. If someone is in need of a meal they can get it at the Ohio Valley Mall. We want people to be aware that the restaurants are open. People can even order from delivery services like Grubhub they will take your order, pick it up at the mall and deliver it to you,” Bell said.
With the addition of one store, another is planning to close. Long-time retailer Macy’s department store will close its doors for good at the end of March, Bell said. The 104,00-square-foot mall location opened to the public in 2006. Bell said officials are discussing potential replacements for the large space, but none have been announced as of yet.