CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A longtime staple of the Charleston Town Center mall is going away.
The Chick-fil-A is closing after 34 years, owner Alan Smith announced in a Facebook post. The mall itself has an uncertain future, with ownership reportedly planning to close the indoor space sometime next year. The property has been owned by Hull Group since 2021.
Smith made the announcement with a “heavy yet abundantly grateful heart,” saying that the restaurant location will permanently close on December 31.
“Although the decision was not mine to make, I trust that it was not made lightly and that all options were painstakingly weighed before it was ultimately decided we would not move forward,” Smith wrote.
“Although there continues to be some lack of clarity on exactly when the mall itself will close, for us to continue operations into 2027 would come with logistical challenges that simply make continuing as we are and where we are not a viable option and there is no plan for relocation so the journey ends,” he continued.
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced the city’s intentions to acquire the property and redevelop it as a mixed-use space during her state of the city address earlier this year. Those plans are no longer moving forward.
She believes if the city cannot take over the mall, selling it to new buyers is necessary
“If we cannot take this as a donation to put it in the hands of developers to move forward, then we want to see it sold. We want to see it put in the hands of folks who want to do something with it,” Goodwin said during an October 5 appearance on “580 Live” with Dave Allen.
Smith wrote a heartfelt goodbye and expressed gratitude for everyone who played a part in the more than three decades of Chick-fil-A.
“As always, my Team Members, Guests and this wonderful community who welcomed a young “kid” with open arms over 3 decades ago has always been my top priority and will continue to be until the very last second of my very last day in this final chapter,” Smtih said. “I will do everything to ensure my tightly-knit team has my unconditional support navigating this major transition.”
“Myself and that same team are committed to serving you with the same standard of service we always have to ensure our restaurant’s final chapter is executed with the highest level of pride and care,” Smith added. “We want to honor not only Truett Cathy’s vision for restaurant #381 but to deliver our brand’s most fond farewell to our loyal community over these next weeks. We look forward to serving you with a smile and a heart-felt ‘My Pleasure’!”