Chick-Fil-A in Palm Desert opens; traffic delays expected for ‘several days’
The Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Palm Desert is now open. The restaurant began its first day with a steady stream of customers in the drive-through and dining room. If you're thinking of checking it out on its opening day, pack some patience because you will not be alone.
The City of Palm Desert has implemented temporary traffic patterns in the area of Monterey Crossing shopping center, sharing in a series of tweets, "Traffic will be heavy" and "delays are possible today and for the next several days. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area, and to observe all temporary traffic patterns and posted directional signage in the vicinity of these locations."
Delays are possible today and for the next several days. Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area, and to observe all temporary traffic patterns and posted directional signage in the vicinity of these locations. 2 of 2
— City of Palm Desert (@PalmDesertGov) July 14, 2022
There has been excitement for the chain restaurant's opening since before the company announced that the Palm Desert location would open its doors on Thursday, July 14.
The restaurant is located at the intersection of 73070 Dinah Shore, just off the Interstate 10 exit on Monterey Avenue.
Drivers have been warned to expect traffic delays in the area of Dinah Shore Drive and Monterey Avenue. One diner told News Channel 3 that he waited 55 minutes in line before ordering. He advised that ordering online first could have been faster.
Due to Chick-Fil-A's grand opening in Palm Desert on Thursday, July 14, 2022, traffic delays are expected on Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive.
— Rancho Mirage (@RelxRnchoMirage) July 13, 2022
For more information, please contact City of Palm Desert Public Works Department at (760) 346-0611. pic.twitter.com/hfJPnZ8iLD
Chick-Fil-A Palm Desert will be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This is the Coachella Valley's first Chick-Fil-A restaurant. Before this, the nearest one was located in Yucaipa, which is more than an hour away from most of the desert cities.
There are mixed feelings about the addition of the restaurant chain because of the fast-food company’s values: Chick-fil-A’s owners have donated to anti-LGBTQ causes.
In 2019, Chick-fil-A announced that it was ending donations to three groups that oppose gay marriage in an effort to halt protests and broaden its customer base. At the time, the company announced giving would be focused on hunger, homelessness and education.
According to a 2019 Associated Press report, Chick-fil-A President Tim Tassopoulos said the company — which is closed on Sundays — will still consider donations to faith-based groups. The company wouldn’t say whether it will consider an organization’s position on gay rights before donating
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
