June 2,2025
Two high profile Visalia commercial projects in the same shopping center first announced last fall are moving forward this summer including the sought-after Chick-fil-A restaurant at the SWC of Visalia Pkwy & Mooney as well as a 28-pump Sam’s Club gas station. The big Sam’s Club warehouse is expected to follow soon.
According to a filing for the coming Site Plan Review meeting the first week of June, the Atlanta fast food chain is buying 2.15 acres from the shopping center developer right on the corner. They plan to build a 5,035-square-foot building featuring a dual-lane around the entire building from the drive-through entry to the exit. The project includes a trash enclosure and two canopies over the drive-through lanes. The building will include 92 indoor seats and 24 outdoor seats. The hours of operation for the new restaurant are from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays,says the filing.
This is the first direct public request for approval by Chick-fil-A, in this case from a consultant representing the firm.Visalians have pressed on social media for the food company to locate here. Tulare also has a planned location that has yet to break ground.
The Visalia and Tulare stores are expected to be franchised as many locations are and likely employ 80 to 100 workers. As you might guess, chicken is on the menu including their signature chicken sandwich with wedge fries.
The company says Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
A Chick-fil-A media representative is expected to advise us when the restaurant might open with some sources, expecting it to be open by the first of the year..
Gas station awaits construction permit
Also, this week Sam’s Club has filed a permit request to begin construction on their 28-pump fueling station now located somewhat closer to Mooney than originally planned at the request of adjacent home owners. The station will be adjacent to the big 172,000 square-foot Sam’s Club warehouse. Prior to this submittal, all contact on this project as well as the Chick-fil-A, has been through the Fresno developer.But Sam’s Club themselves now own their land and are in charge of all approvals.
The $4.1 million station will be 9200sf according to the permit now being reviewed by the city.
Paralleling the construction schedule is rival Costco on the north side of town, already underway with construction of their gas station next to their own big club warehouse that has yet to break around. Sources expect this project to open in 2026. On the south side of town across Mooney from the new Sam Club, the original Visalia Costco will go head to head for fuel, groceries and goods.