Chick-fil-A to Enter into a Purchase Agreement with City of Claremore
Chick-fil-A plans to build a new stand-alone restaurant on South JM Davis Blvd. between Pizza Hut and Advanced Auto Parts in Claremore. The fast-food favorite was the number one requested establishment in the 2014 “Bring it Claremore” campaign conducted by the Claremore and Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA).
“It’s been difficult to keep this deal quiet,” said Jeri Koehler, Executive Director of CIEDA. “This announcement has been a longtime in the making requiring a team effort and focused leadership.”
The new restaurant could create up to 80 new jobs. The chain plans to open 88 new restaurants across the country in 2015 resulting in the creation of more than 7,400 jobs.
“I’m very pleased with the spirit of collaboration this project has evoked. We are building a legacy of leadership that is focused on providing for the desires of our citizens and meeting their needs,” said Jim Thomas, Claremore City Manager.
CIEDA first met with Chick-fil-A in August 2014 to assess the reality of acquiring the property selected by the chain as their ideal location. The property has been in Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) ownership since 1954.
Working closely with the City of Claremore and the Claremore Public Works Authority, Koehler presented an opportunity for a land swap of surplus city property with the desired ODOT property. City council approved the measure with a 6-2 vote during its regular meeting on Monday, August 3rd, 2015.
On September 28th Chick-fil-A executed a letter of intent expressing their interest in entering into a purchase agreement with the City of Claremore. The letter stipulates a 120 day due diligence period where the restaurant and city will negotiate terms and conditions of the purchase.
“Deals like this require everyone’s joint participation. We’re pleased that we’ve gotten Chick-fil-A to the table and I’m confident that our city leaders will negotiate a successful purchase agreement,” said Koehler.
CIEDA has been working diligently to recruit national and regional brands to Claremore who fill a need in the marketplace. The focus in recruitment comes after a 2014 survey conducted by CIEDA that polled the citizens of Claremore. Data collected from the “Bring it Claremore” campaign showed a strong interest in bringing new restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty retailers to Claremore.
“The relationship between the City of Claremore and CIEDA has never been stronger,” said Thomas. “Their continued efforts position Claremore as a destination for business success. We are a growing community and an aggressive community. This is an exciting time to be a part of our city.”
Koehler and her team at CIEDA were responsible for recruiting Main Street Tavern to the downtown district, and the specialty retailer, Petsense, to Claremore’s established commercial corridor. They recently published an extensive list of available commercial properties in their 2015-16 “Grounds for Development” guide. The guide can be found at ClaremoreRetail.com.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A Inc. is a family-owned and privately held restaurant company that has over 1,900 restaurants in 41 states and Washington, D.C. In the Tulsa area, the restaurant has nine locations.
Founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1967, Chick-fil-A produced sales of $5 billion in 2013.
