Sept. 22, 2021

One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Sioux Falls starts bright and early Thursday, when you can order chicken and a biscuit beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Chick-fil-A.

It’s located at Empire Place, near Chipotle Mexican Grill in front of The Empire Mall.

Photo via Buffalo Construction Inc.

“The ramp-up to Empire Place Chick-fil-A has been going very well,” local franchisee Jeremiah Heiser said in an emailed response to questions.

Heiser had his first taste of Chick-fil-A while enrolled at Oral Roberts University in 2005 after a company executive spoke to students and provided free lunch. The Wyoming native found his interest piqued — both by the presentation and the Chick-fil-A nuggets — and after serving several years as an assistant pastor, he began working at Chick-fil-A in 2014 as a shift leader in Littleton, Colorado.

He became a director of operations and then an operator in Colorado.

Heiser moved with his family to Sioux Falls from Colorado this summer to open the location, which is the first standalone Chick-fil-A in the state.

“The Sioux Falls community has been extremely welcoming,” he said, adding the family “instantly fell in love with our new home. We absolutely feel connected and a part of the community.”

While he said he’s grateful for the interest from job applicants, the location is continuing to hire for all positions. The restaurant estimates it needs about 120 full- and part-time employees. Applicants can apply here.

“We are looking for applicants with a true commitment to service and integrity,” Heiser said.

Chick-fil-A anticipates a big opening and is “preparing for high volumes,” he added. “Our goal is to be a great neighbor and to serve guests as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have a team of trainers in place to make sure my team members are ready to serve the residents of Sioux Falls.”

Sioux Falls police officers will be in the area too, spokesman Sam Clemens said.

“Chick-fil-A has a plan to move customers efficiently and keep traffic on mall property,” he said. “We will have officers in the area monitoring traffic and available to help. Chick-fil-A employees will direct traffic for dine-in and drive-thru customers.”

Customers also will be able to use online ordering and third-party delivery.

Chick-fil-A plans to make a $25,000 donation to Feeding South Dakota to commemorate the new location and is giving away free Chick-fil-A food for a year to 100 people who have been identified as local heroes.

Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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