Chick-fil-A opened a new restaurant in the Ballenger Creek area of Frederick on September 10, 2025, adding another busy drive-thru option to the corridor. The project has been in the works since early 2024, when county planning documents outlined the site as a 5,956-square-foot standalone restaurant with a three-lane drive-thru and playground.
Construction and Opening
The new Chick-fil-A at 5308 New Design Road is owned and operated by Aaron Crunkilton, who also runs the downtown Frederick location. This second restaurant brings about 100 jobs to the area and operates Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers can use dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and Mobile Thru ordering.
Ahead of the official opening, the restaurant held a short drive-thru preview event on September 9. Opening day also came with a familiar Chick-fil-A promotion—customers wearing cow-themed clothing could claim a free entrée or kid’s meal.
Local Reactions and Traffic Concerns
While the new location expands convenience for Chick-fil-A fans, not everyone is excited. Local Reddit discussions have highlighted concerns about traffic congestion along New Design Road. Some residents worry that the multiple drive-thru lanes and heavy demand will create gridlock at the shopping center entrance. With Frederick already home to another Chick-fil-A, a portion of the community sees the addition as over-saturation rather than relief.
Community Programs and Expansion
To balance the hype, Chick-fil-A announced a donation of $25,000 to Feeding America partners in Frederick County. The restaurant is also participating in the company’s Shared Table® program, which redirects surplus food to local nonprofits.
The Ballenger Creek opening comes as Chick-fil-A continues to expand nationally and internationally. The chain recently entered the UK market and has plans for a Singapore location later in 2025.
Last Updated on September 11, 2025 by F.E.M