Chick-fil-A Eyeing New Long Island Location, But Residents Aren't Happy

Chick-fil-A wants to open a new restaurant in Smithtown, but thousands of people are not happy about what that means for a legendary 24-hour bagel store.

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 other, 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 business that has been part of the local 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 4,200 signatures says. "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.

The Smithtown BZA meets on Tuesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center located at 420 Middle Country Road.