A new proposed shopping center in Hanford has filed plans to include two big name restaurants as tenants. Those big names are Olive Garden and Chick-fil-A. The 6.5 acre shopping center is located on arguably one of the best real estate corners in town and is owned by the Tachi Yokut tribe. Just a country block off of Highway 198, the site is the southeast corner of 12th Ave. and Mall Drive.
The project has been developed by Marcus and Millichap and broker/developer, Chris Ajluni. He says the project is the result of popular demand by Hanford residents who may it clear to City of Hanford officials that these are the type of businesses the community would like to see locate in town. Talks between the city, the developer and the tribe resulted in the plan to develop the vacant parcel after many years of sitting idle says Chris.”It’s really a joint effort.”
Chris says that if all things go right, the two big restaurants should open for business in about a year.
Both restaurants are family favorites known for affordable menus that everyday Kings County residents can afford to visit now and then.
The Olive Garden news was first reported on social media after someone noticed ABC liquor license notice posted on the empty lot. ABC staff in Fresno confirmed the application by Olive Garden Garden saying that it typically takes 30 to 90 days for licenses to be approved.
Mr Ajluni says that plans for the Olive Garden as well as the Chick-fil-A include building more than the standard number of parking places since both are big draws. The Olive Garden would be located on the corner of 12th and Mall Drive and would be about 6500 square feet with 143 parking places.
The Chick-fil-A would build a double drive-through to accommodate heavy customer demand seen typically at this popular restaurant. The 5000 square-foot building would have 93 parking places
The site plan also shows the possibility of a third tenant as yet unnamed.
The Italian-themed Olive Garden is owned by Darden restaurants who operate more than 2,100 Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze restaurants. The Florida based company is publicly traded and has a long time location in Visalia.
Chick-fil-A is privately held and is the largest quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S. specializing in chicken sandwiches.
Based in Atlanta Georgia, they have more than 3000 locations nationwide. The company has been expanding in the Central Vally recently with Visalia getting a location under construction on S Mooney and one location pending in Tulare.