Chick-fil-A returns to Iowa State Memorial Union after 22 years

Chick-fil-A returns to Iowa State Memorial Union after two-decade absence

Chick-fil-A officially reopened its doors inside the Iowa State University Memorial Union on Tuesday, Nov. 3, marking the brand’s return to campus for the first time since 2004. The grand opening, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, saw the first chicken sandwiches served just after 10 a.m., according to reports from Inside Iowa State and the Iowa State Daily.

The new storefront is located on the first floor of the Memorial Union, positioned directly across from the ISU Bookstore. While the brand was absent from the university for 22 years, the return follows a multi-year coordination effort between the franchise and university administration. Tari Thompson, the operator of the new Memorial Union location, noted that the partnership with Iowa State actually began in 2021 to determine the logistics of returning to campus after a 25-year hiatus.

Student demand drove the decision to bring back the franchise

University officials emphasized that the decision to host the national brand was a direct response to student feedback. Chad Garland, the director of the Memorial Union, stated that the university has spent years listening to students and responding to their needs for better study spaces, more hangout areas, and increased opportunities to utilize the MU. He noted that students specifically requested this brand, and the university found one that met that demand.

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Toyia Younger, the senior vice president of student affairs, echoed this sentiment, stating that the presence of a high-quality dining option in the center of campus helps enhance overall campus life. She described the Memorial Union as the “living room” of the campus and welcomed the new addition to that environment.

“Having a high-quality dining option here in the heart of campus helps enhance campus life, and we are happy to welcome them back to the living room of our campus.”

The return also carries implications for the broader Ames community. Dan Culhane, president of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, suggested that providing more services to the university’s 31,000 students ultimately benefits the entire local area. Culhane highlighted the brand’s reputation for a specific type of service, noting that in a fast-paced environment, the “calm, kind and grateful” atmosphere of the restaurant is a notable addition to the community.

Service hours and dining options for the new location

The new Chick-fil-A will operate with a limited menu focused on lunch service. Students and faculty can access the location during the following hours:

Chick-fil-A returns to Iowa State Memorial Union after 22 years — Photo: iowastatedaily.com

Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For convenience, the restaurant supports several payment methods, including Apple Pay, credit cards, and campus dining dollars. The location is also set up to handle both in-person and mobile orders, allowing students to integrate the food service into their busy academic schedules.

Beyond the menu, the staff expressed an intention to focus on the social impact of the location. Lance Hicks, a business and relationship lead for Chick-fil-A, remarked that the goal is for the restaurant to be a place where student staff and faculty feel “welcomed, cared for and known,” suggesting that even a single positive interaction can impact a student’s day or week.

As the new location settles into the daily rhythm of the Memorial Union, the long-term impact on student dining habits and local campus commerce remains to be seen.