• 345 Memorial Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
  • 815-568-1880
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Chick-fil-A — Maximizing Drive-Thru Capacity Without Disruption

Chick-fil-A

Client Overview

Client: Chick-fil-A
Locations: Multiple existing restaurants (Midwest region)
Project Type: Drive-thru expansion and traffic flow optimization
Gallant Services: Coordination with architects, permitting support, nighttime construction
Challenge: Add double drive-thru lanes without disrupting daily operations
Schedule: Phased, location-specific execution

Chick-fil-A drive-thru with new canopies and order stations after the remodel
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Covered drive-thru lane added to a Chick-fil-A restaurant

The Opportunity

Chick-fil-A identified a need to serve more customers during peak hours by converting single drive-thru lanes into double lanes at existing high-traffic locations. The challenge was to complete the work without impacting daytime service — a hallmark of the Chick-fil-A guest experience.

Gallant's Role

1) Collaborative Preconstruction
  • Partnered with architects to review existing site conditions and design the optimal double-lane configuration for each location.
  • Coordinated with city permitting departments to secure approvals for expanded lanes, re-striping, and updated traffic control plans.
  • Worked closely with franchise owners to align construction schedules with business needs.
2) Nighttime Construction Strategy
  • Executed all disruptive work after hours to avoid interfering with customer traffic or daytime service.
  • Managed lighting, safety barricades, and noise control measures to ensure a safe, minimally disruptive work environment for surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Sequenced work in phases so locations remained fully operational throughout the project.
3) Efficient Project Delivery
  • Deployed specialized crews familiar with fast-turnaround commercial sitework.
  • Coordinated with subcontractors to streamline asphalt removal, paving, lane striping, and signage installation in tight windows.
  • Delivered each site on schedule with zero unplanned downtime.

Construction Highlights

Installed new lane configurations, pavement markings, and directional signage to optimize traffic flow.

 

Modified curbs, sidewalks, and landscaping to accommodate dual-lane layouts.

 

Integrated new order-point canopies, menu boards, and communication systems.

 

Upgraded drainage and lighting to meet safety and accessibility standards.

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Outcomes

Increased throughput: Expanded drive-thru capacity to serve more guests per hour, reducing wait times during peak periods.

No operational disruption: Completed work entirely after hours, allowing Chick-fil-A to maintain normal daytime operations.

Owner satisfaction: Franchisees reported improved guest flow and positive customer feedback after project completion.

New Chick-fil-A drive-thru canopy with painted lane markings
Chick-fil-A drive-thru canopy at night during construction
Covered drive-thru lane added to a Chick-fil-A restaurant
Chick-fil-A drive-thru lane under a new steel canopy
Chick-fil-A drive-thru with new canopies and order stations after the remodel

What Made It Work

→Strong coordination between Gallant, architects, and permitting authorities.

→Flexible, nighttime construction strategy tailored to each location.

→Experienced crews capable of delivering high-quality work on tight schedules.

Metrics

Locations delivered: Multiple Midwest Chick-fil-A sites

Average downtime during construction: 0 hours (daytime)

Drive-thru capacity increase: 2x order points, improved lane flow

Schedule adherence: 100% on-time completion

CLIENT TESTIMONY

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