Dartmouth Chick-fil-A Planned to Replace Old Sears Auto Center

Here's some tasty news for fried chicken connoisseurs: Chick-fil-A is making moves to take over the abandoned Sears Auto Center at Dartmouth Mall.

The proposal was outlined in a March 25 Planning Board meeting, with the fast-food giant presenting its initial site plan review for the first time publicly.

Replacing the old Sears Auto Center, the proposed Chick-fil-A would occupy the southeast corner of the Dartmouth Mall property, marking a significant transformation near the intersection of State and Faunce Corner roads. Business before more town boards is expected.

One concern discussed during the March 25 meeting was traffic flow for daily commuters and emergency vehicles. Thousands of vehicles a day pass through through this intersecting multi-lane crossroads. Traffic studies have pinpointed peak traffic hours of 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday traffic wouldn't be a concern, as Chick-fil-A is never open on Sunday.

READ MORE: SouthCoast's First Raising Cane's Chicken Restaurant Now Open

The Planning Board meeting covered a range of expected topics, including building design for storm runoff and pleasing aesthetics; parking for large and small vehicles; and how traffic could be minimized in the Dartmouth Mall lot and on the roads.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in Chick-fil-A's goal to establish a presence in Dartmouth. The closest locations are at SouthCoast Marketplace in Fall River and in Seekonk. If everything goes well, the popular restaurant will breathe new life into a long-vacant but valuable slice of land.

Stay tuned.