A Bigger Drive-Thru At Elmhurst Chain Restaurant?

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst chain restaurant is seeking approval for a bigger drive-thru.

On Monday, representatives of Chick-fil-A, 235 Route 83, said they have seen an increase in drive-thru business since the start of the pandemic.

They presented a preliminary concept to the City Council's zoning committee.

The proposal features two full drive-thru lanes around the building. It would allow employees to go out to cars, where they would take orders and deliver food.

"The intent of this is the efficient process of traffic through the site," said Todd Richards, a project engineer with HR Green.

During less busy times, he said, the restaurant would use just one lane.

The drawback with the added lane is that the restaurant would lose much of its parking. That would mean some customers may use the parking lot at the next-door shopping center.

Sara Vaught, owner of the local Chick-fil-A, said the drive-thru traffic often backs up into At Home's parking lot.

"They have been gracious neighbors," she said.

She said she doesn't want to wait on taking action while drive-thru business continues to grow.

Alderman Mark Milliner said he was glad the restaurant approached the committee before submitting a full plan to the city.

"You're selling a lot of food," he said. "That's a good thing."

When Chick-fil-A presents its plan, it would first go to the Zoning and Planning Commission, which makes recommendations to the council.