A truth I’ve learned here living most of my life is that Metro Detroiters love their chains.
There are three of them opening in Macomb County. One’s a burger joint, the other a fitness place and the third the popular Chick-ail-A.
Let’s start with the one that’s getting the most attention first, the Chick-fil-A. It’s reportedly going to be in Shelby Township where they’re doing double the drive through lanes for the increased expected demand.
Many of the Chick-fil-A locations around here are in food courts of some sort, but this will be a standalone restaurant when complete. Another is expected to open in Allen Park.
Chick-fil-A is controversial in some circles for their previous political donations and public stances that rankle the LGBTQ+ community. However, the Macomb Daily says that Shelby Township is ready to stand by the establishment if there’s any pushback.
“Chick-fil-A makes a great chicken sandwich,” said Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis. “If there is some controversy because of its strong Christian values, they will still be welcome in our community.”
Macomb Daily
It’ll be located at Hall and Schoenerr roads within view of the “Golden Butthole” (officially, “Golden Halo”) statue.
Despite the controversy, Chick-fil-A remains popular. There was a line out the building for the pop-up restaurant in the Chrysler House in Downtown Detroit recently.
The next two developments are in neighboring Sterling Heights. Both, according to the city’s Facebook page, have received preliminary site plan approval.
First up, a Culver’s is going into the out lot by the Meijer on Van Dyke. That’s up by Metro Parkway or, for those of us keeping score at home and don’t know why you drive and on a parkway and park on a driveway, 16 Mile Road.
Second, LA Fitness is opening one of their “Signature Clubs,” also on Van Dyke but this one is just north of Metro Parkway at 37048 Van Dyke. Signature clubs have nicer amenities.
Both of the drawings look like any other Culver’s or LA Fitness you’ve ever seen, but figured we’d share them if you were curious.
