Thursday, October 1, 2026
A proposed Chick-fil-A restaurant along Martin Way will require site plan improvements after an evaluation of the project by the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee.
The committee reviewed the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, March 26, at which improvements, such as roadway upgrades and infrastructure, were deemed necessary.
The proposed restaurant, set to replace the Red Lobster near the Olympia-Lacey city limits, is located on a 79,326-square-foot lot at 4505 Martin Way E in Olympia.
A proposal submitted by 4G Development and Barghausen Consulting stated the development involves demolishing the existing building and pavement to accommodate a new 5,383-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant with a drive-thru component.
Casey Mauck, city planner, said the project will likely require a Design Review Board evaluation if the building exceeds 5,000 square feet, focusing on pedestrian access, site orientation, and adherence to basic commercial and high-density corridor design guidelines.
The city code, according to Mauck, also requires 40 parking spaces and allowing flexibility for up to 56 spaces with proper documentation.
She also emphasized the need for bicycle parking, with three indoor spots for employees and five covered outdoor spaces.
Engineering lan examiner Zulaika Kim said the project's location near the Olympia-Lacey city limits is expected to generate significant traffic.
This would trigger comprehensive transportation impact analysis requirements. Developers will be required to conduct a detailed traffic scoping meeting to assess the potential transportation implications of the new restaurant.
Kim discussed frontage improvement along Martin Way, which she said is not to the current standard. Improvements are required to the arterial standard, which would include an 8-foot sidewalk and an eight-foot planter.
"The sidewalk is adjacent to the vehicle lane, and there is no planter or any kind of horizontal separation for pedestrians," Kim said.
The Chick-fil-A developers will also be required to provide a 2.5-foot right-of-way dedication to support future bicycle improvements along Martin Way.
In addition, Kim noted that Martin Way's pavement condition carries a rating of 57. As per city code, any streets that have a pavement rating between 60 and 41 would require a half-street overlay. Consequently, a half-street overlay will be required across the frontage of the project.
Building official, Jeff Finch, emphasized modern construction standards, including provisions for electric vehicle charging stations and full compliance with the 2021 energy code.
11 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
carriek3
Has anyone heard an update about the Cooper Point Chick Fil A replacing Fujiyama?
Friday, March 28, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
Fujiyamas is Gone Wrecked crushed.
Damn WASTE of Materials!
CAPITALIST FOOLS!
Friday, March 28, 2025 Report this
bonaro
@Boatyardog When the Keg Restaurant closed 10-15 years ago that building was considered at the end of it's life. Then Fujiyama took over and used it even more. That building and it's infrastructure is used up and the time has come to tear it down and build a new one.
Friday, March 28, 2025 Report this
SheriB
Why in the do we need another Chic whatever so close to the other one? There Must be better options?
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
ddttwo2
So typical of the city of Olympia to require a business that is going to pay B&O tax, Sales Tax & actually employ people to also pay Income Tax to improve streets, sidewalks, planters etc.. probably do a traffic study and a list of additional items to get a permit to remodel & rebuild the former Red Lobster building!! Criminal at best... I'd go to another jurisdiction & tell Oly to pound sand.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
JasonS
SheriB, it's absurd to say those two locations are "so close" to each other. They are eight miles apart.
ddttwo2, Chick-fil-A will happily pay their fair share (which is all it is) in order to set up shop, because they understand how business in a capitalist society works.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
jm4616
No thanks. I only eat chicken on Sunday's with other non-homophobic people.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
HotTractor
Don't need another Chick-fil-A. How about something healthy and affordable?
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
clarabell1957
I would rather see a real good steakhouse like a Roadhouse here in Lacey I think Chick-fil-A is over rated.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 Report this
Moorhead
It seems odd that every Chick-fil-A tears down an existing sit-down restaurant (Hawks Prairie Inn, Fujiama, Red Lobster) to build a drive-thru fast food eatery.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 Report this
Msodergem
I think this is a great idea. With a school near by, more pedestrians, and being on college where it is near the I-5 off and on ramps will help with safety that is paramount. More cars will be trying to get in, cause congestion, break down the road. Understanding transportation needs, not just today, also later on helps with safety and longevity of road. Specifications and structural needs have change overtime, evolved. You can't just slap a building in and expect it not to conform to today's standards. Builders have requirements.
Sunday, March 30, 2025 Report this