Chick-fil-A to construct drive-thru connection to State Road 434

The Winter Springs Planning and Zoning Board held a special meeting on April 24, 2025, to discuss the layout and operational details of a new drive-thru facility, specifically for a Chick-fil-A restaurant. The meeting focused on the design of the drive-thru lane, which features two distinct queues: one for placing orders and another for picking up food.

During the discussion, board members examined the placement of the order board and the pickup window, which are separated by approximately 272 feet. This distance is intended to facilitate smooth traffic flow and minimize congestion in the drive-thru area. Board members noted the importance of having adequate space for vehicles waiting to pick up orders, ensuring that the design accommodates customer needs effectively.

Concerns were raised about the potential for long wait times and whether there would be an exit option for drivers who might want to leave the queue. However, it was mentioned that wait times at Chick-fil-A are typically short, alleviating some concerns about customer impatience.

Additionally, the board discussed the construction of a connection to State Road 434, which is part of the site plan for the new restaurant. A recommendation was made to include a condition for correspondence with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure compliance and facilitate the approval process for the site.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to ensuring that the new Chick-fil-A drive-thru operates efficiently while addressing community concerns about traffic and accessibility. The next steps will involve further discussions with FDOT and finalizing the site plan to move forward with construction.