Does Chick Fil A’s announcement signal further growth in Butte?

With the recent groundbreaking of the Cornerstone Plaza and the announcement of all of the new stores and restaurants that are potentially coming to Butte, excitement has certainly been buzzing around town.  Officials and developers are touting the possible arrival of a Planet Fitness exercise center, a new Starbucks, a Chipotle restaurant and a Chick Fil A franchise to throw out a few names.  Let's talk about Chick Fil A.

Chick Fil A has been making waves in Montana for a couple of years.  Their signature double-lane drive thru in Billings had cars lined up out to the street for months after its opening and similar results were seen in Missoula and later Kalispell.  Their opening in the Strand Union Center at Montana State University in Bozeman had people from Butte making the short trip for one of their famous chicken sandwiches that many say are well worth the drive.

A lot of you youngsters may not remember a similar time in the Mining City when a whole slew of new restaurants opened within a short time frame.  Way back in 1985 when Ronald Reagan was in office and the Chicago Bears were shuffling their way to the Super Bowl, Butte saw an Arby's open up on Harrison Avenue.  This was quickly followed by McDonald's and then Burger King.  Remember, 1985 was only a few years removed from the day the mines shut down, casting a big shadow on the town's economy.  These store's openings proved that even in the worst of times, Butte was still a place for businesses to grow and thrive.  A place that families would still call home.

Chick Fil A has many people singing the same tune.  Butte is again excited for new stores and restaurants and time will tell what new businesses these will attract in turn.  It is indeed an exciting time for the Mining City.