Chick-fil-A Eyeing Smithtown Location

Chick-fil-A wants to open a new restaurant in Smithtown, but thousands of people are not happy about what that means for the Bagel Gallery.

The Smithtown Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing next Tuesday on Chick-fil-A's proposal to build a restaurant in the Hauppauge Center shopping center at the intersection of routes 347 and 111.

It would be the fourth Chick-fil-A on the island. The first opened in Port Jefferson Station last fall and two others–in Commack and Hicksville–are expected to open this year.

Chick-fil-A is seeking several variances from the BZA, including one for a "special exemption standard for counter service restaurant that drive-up windows shall not face a residence district."

Chick-fil-A's arrival means the departure of the Bagel Gallery, a 24-hour business that has been part of the Smithtown community for more than 35 years.

"This family run business has employed hundreds of people over the years, always gives back to those in need and has been the heart of the community for decades," a petition on change.org with more than 4,000 signatures reads. "Now corporate greed from the landlord and Chick-fil-A are closing it down because they're more interested in turning a profit than supporting a local business with family values and a passion for helping others."

See the petition here.