TULSA, Okla. — The Brookside Neighborhood Association held a public meeting on Dec. 13 to discuss a possible Chick-fil-A coming to the area.
More than two dozen people showed up to learn about the chain's plans to build in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood. Some are worried they won't able to get in or out of their neighborhoods because of the traffic.
Others are concerned there's not enough privacy between the business and homes. Some thought it was a good idea to bring Chick-fil-A into Brookside.
SEE MORE: Photos from Chick-fil-A meeting
2 News reached out to the Tulsa Planning Office about the location. The staff said applications are filed for the vacant Arby's Property at 4143 S. Peoria Ave. The filing is for a "restaurant/multi-use" location with conceptual plans showing the building and drive-thru.
Brookside Business Association Vice President Matt Morgan, who said the announcement indicated Tulsa's newest Chick-fil-A. "I knew there were conversations happening for quite some time. Obviously, we don't make any sort of announcement about anything until we know more concrete evidence and we're more sure of the plans," Morgan said.
Chick-fil-A confirmed its eyeing the location:
While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing a new location in Tulsa on S Peoria Ave. We look forward to working through the approval process and are excited by the prospect of an additional restaurant in the community. Each locally owned and operated restaurant creates 80 – 120 jobs in the area. We look forward to the opportunity to serve new guests delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality.
As for the traffic concerns, Brookside Neighborhood Association President Cindy Woodward said once construction is completed and the new center lane is added it will help with traffic. "I believe a busy restaurant is preferable to an empty building. A fast food restaurant has existed in that location for decades so this isn't a big change," said Woodward.
If the Chick-fil-A is approved, it will be the third chicken chain to hit the area.
2 News asked Morgan about concerns over another fast-food chicken restaurant, but he said it is great for families around Brookside.
"For us, obviously, you know, removing an old restaurant is a blight on the neighborhood. It's been sitting vacant for a while. It's also a huge plus. So we are excited about it as a family. We know that not everybody shares that same sentiment, and that's okay."
The meeting was open to the public, allowing the community's comments to be heard.
Rob Aloisio, Brookside resident and owner of Mondo's Italian Restaurant, welcomes the fast food chain.
"I'm all for the growth of Chick-fil-A," said Aloisio. "As a local business owner, you know, you sometimes want to keep it local. But I think Chick-fil-A is going to be a great addition to our neighborhood."
Aloiso hopes the restaurant will build pedestrian infrastructure, like lighting and crosswalks.
Staff at Brookside Diner, another local restaurant in the neighborhood, says they are not fond of adding another chain.
"I don't like the plan. I think we've got enough chicken places on Brookside as it is," said server Victoria Reyes, citing the neighborhood's Kentucky Fried Chicken and Raising Cane's.
However, dishwasher Duane McHenry is confident that their regulars won't stray for long.
"They'll come back 'cause they want a home cooked meal instead of fast food," he said.
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