Northwestern State University, in partnership with Sodexo, will open a new Chick-fil-A Express adjacent to campus this fall. Demolition began June 18 on the facility at 912 University Parkway that will house the new Chick-fil-A, as well as the new university bookstore. Administrators expect both to be open for the Fall 2018 semester.
In response to student requests, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio tasked the NSU Foundation and Sodexo with development of the new restaurant in conjunction with the renovation and expansion of the campus bookstore. “Through a unique opportunity, the NSU Foundation purchased the old campus bookstore across from Watson Library, where Café DeMon is already located,” Maggio said. “Across the street seemed the perfect fit for not only a new bookstore but a new retail food outlet as well.” Sodexo Vice President of Operations Ron Guillory and General Manager Steve Kauf reached out to Chick-fil-A to explore the possibilities of bringing the brand to Natchitoches.
After purchasing the building, the NSU Foundation turned to Sodexo Construction to assist in project management to develop the new store in cooperation with Follett Higher Education Group, which will operate the new 8,000-square-foot bookstore.
The new Chick-fil-A will service not only NSU students, but the general Natchitoches community, Guillory said. Information about the opening of the campus bookstore and the Chick-fil-A will be available as details are finalized.
The Chick-fil-a will not have a drive-thru, but this is not due to traffic issues or DOTD regulations. Through a partnership with our campus dining provider Sodexo, the restaurant was designed as a Chick-fil-a Express similar to those existing on other college campuses which have full menu selections, but no drive-thru. Drake Owens, NSU
No drive-thru, but is a crosswalk an option?
The DOTD criteria for installing a crosswalk is strict, primarily for the safety of pedestrians who would ultimately be utilizing the facility. That criteria includes the requirement that there be sidewalks that have up-to-date ADA compliant ramps prior to placing a crosswalk. Additionally, a pedestrian volume warrant must be met at a particular intersection, meaning the number of pedestrians using the crosswalk.
DOTD typically does not approve the installation of a mid-block crossing (a crossing a location other than an intersection). Currently, there are no sidewalk facilities along LA 6 (University Parkway) that meet any of these criteria.
Erin Buchanan Public Information Officer LA DOTD