Inglewood planning panel continues Chick‑fil‑A special‑use permit to May 6 after design, traffic and labor concerns

The Inglewood Planning Commission voted on March 17 to continue consideration of Special Use Permit SUP25‑00024, a proposal by Travis Albini on behalf of Chick‑fil‑A to build an approximately 5,031‑square‑foot restaurant with a drive‑through and outdoor dining at 3003 West Manchester Boulevard.

Assistant Planner Faith Smith told commissioners the site, formerly occupied by Big Lots, is zoned C‑2 and that the applicant proposes 67 parking spaces (the code minimum cited in staff materials is 18). Staff said hours would be 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the restaurant closed Sundays, and described proposed circulation measures including two drive‑through entrances and double queuing that the applicant says can accommodate up to 31 vehicles. Smith also said the plan includes exterior and interior security cameras, with final locations to be confirmed during site plan review and CPTED review with police.

Commissioners focused on the building’s appearance and circulation. Commissioner Trejo said the current elevations were “a little plain looking” and urged a more distinctive, flagship design for the corner. "We need to have that continued," Trejo said, asking for additional design work and for the planning commission to remain involved in final review. Commissioner Rice said the commission must “do it right the first time” and requested that any final site plan return to the commission for approval rather than be finalized only in staff review.

Representatives for the applicant — Travis Albini of 4g Development and owner Alex Kozakov — said they have negotiated several design changes with staff and are open to further revisions. Albini said, "We've been looking to get into Inglewood for a long time," and Kozakov said local operators usually engage with schools and nonprofits and create jobs. Carlos Arias, Chick‑fil‑A's development manager, said the company uses mobile ordering, curbside pickup and separate pickup options to improve circulation and that employees often assist guests in the drive‑through lanes.

Residents and labor representatives urged caution. Corey Crockerham and Jesus Camargo of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters (Local 323) asked the commission to continue the item so labor standards and contractor selection can be negotiated and so local workers have a chance to bid on construction. Several residents — including Yolanda Davidson, Kayla Dixon and Adrianna White — opposed the project or raised concerns about increased traffic and pedestrian safety around 85th and Crenshaw, the proximity of day‑care centers and the project’s fit with the city’s Next Level Inglewood plan. "This project just moves us in the opposite direction," said Adrianna White, who said chain, drive‑through models do not align with the long‑term vision for a walkable, community‑focused corridor.

Commissioners also recorded divergent claims about staffing. In the staff presentation, Smith described the operation as having a minimum staffing count reflected in the code materials and noted per‑shift staffing; owner Alex Kozakov later said operators plan to employ between 80 and 100 people at the location, a larger figure than the staffing numbers summarized in the staff presentation. The commission did not attempt to reconcile the different counts at the hearing and left such operational details for follow‑up and site plan review.

After debate, Commissioner Trejo moved to continue SUP25‑00024; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Shaw Williams. Following a brief recess for staff to consult with the applicant, the makers amended the continuance to a date certain — May 6, 2026 — to give the applicant time for corporate approvals and to prepare revised elevations and materials. Commissioners voted to continue the item to the May 6 meeting.

The planning office said there is no appeal period for the continuance and that the project will return to the commission on May 6, with staff and the applicant expected to present updated plans and any recommended conditions. Staff also committed to review camera coverage, traffic mitigation language and CPTED considerations during the site plan process.

What’s next: SUP25‑00024 will return to the Inglewood Planning Commission on May 6, 2026. Staff indicated they will also look into a traffic study and further conditions related to circulation, trash management and camera coverage before that date.