A New Fast-Food Hub in Hillsboro
Hillsboro, a small Texas town nestled along the I-35 corridor between Waco and Dallas-Fort Worth, is set to welcome a $4.5 million Chick-fil-A restaurant. The new location, announced through a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on August 25, 2025, will sit close to the town’s recently opened Buc-ee’s travel center. This development marks another milestone in Hillsboro’s rapid growth as a bustling stop for travelers and locals alike. The addition of Chick-fil-A promises to bring more jobs, convenience, and the chain’s famous chicken sandwiches to the community.
The new restaurant will span 5,035 square feet and feature a drive-thru with stand-alone canopies, a hallmark of Chick-fil-A’s efficient service model. Construction is expected to begin soon, with a projected completion date of September 2026. While an exact grand opening date remains uncertain due to potential changes in construction timelines, the project signals a significant investment in Hillsboro’s growing economy.
Hillsboro’s Rise as a Boomtown
Hillsboro has been transforming into a vibrant hub for travelers and residents. The town welcomed a Buc-ee’s travel center in April 2024, a massive convenience store known for its clean restrooms, extensive snack offerings, and loyal customer base. The Buc-ee’s, located along Interstate 35, has already drawn crowds with its Beaver Nuggets and brisket sandwiches. Now, with Chick-fil-A joining the scene, Hillsboro is positioning itself as a must-stop destination for those traveling between Dallas and Waco.
The addition of these two Southern icons—Chick-fil-A and Buc-ee’s—highlights Hillsboro’s appeal to major brands. The town’s strategic location along a busy highway makes it an ideal spot for businesses catering to both locals and passersby. For Hillsboro residents, the new Chick-fil-A means no longer needing to drive to nearby cities like Bellmead or Cleburne for their Chick-n-Minis or waffle fries. The convenience of having both a Buc-ee’s and a Chick-fil-A nearby is expected to boost local commerce and attract more visitors.
Project Details and Design
The $4.5 million Chick-fil-A project is classified as new construction, with Dallas-based architecture firm Mayse & Associates leading the design. The firm has a strong track record, having worked on projects for other fast-casual chains like Saltgrass, Zoe’s Kitchen, and Fuddruckers. Mayse & Associates emphasizes efficiency and quality in its designs, which is critical for meeting the tight deadlines typical of food service projects. The new restaurant will follow Chick-fil-A’s signature layout, featuring a quick-service setup with a focus on drive-thru efficiency to handle the chain’s famously long lines.
The 5,035-square-foot building will include modern amenities and a layout designed to streamline operations. Chick-fil-A’s drive-thru model, often praised for its speed and organization, will likely feature multiple lanes to keep traffic moving smoothly. This is especially important in a town like Hillsboro, where the nearby Buc-ee’s already draws significant crowds. The combination of these two high-traffic businesses could create a lively commercial hub, but it may also require careful planning to manage congestion.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The new Chick-fil-A is expected to create approximately 100 to 120 jobs in Hillsboro, ranging from frontline staff to management positions. These jobs will provide opportunities for residents and contribute to the town’s economic growth. Chick-fil-A is known for its strong workplace culture, influenced by the company’s values of treating customers and employees with “honor, dignity, and respect.” This focus on service has enabled the chain to build a loyal customer base and establish a reputation for quality.
In 2024, Chick-fil-A reported systemwide sales of $22 billion across its 3,109 U.S. locations, making it one of the top fast-food chains in the country. With an average unit volume of $7.5 million per location, Chick-fil-A outperforms many competitors, including larger chains like McDonald’s. The Hillsboro location is poised to capitalize on this success, drawing customers from the town’s growing population and the steady stream of travelers along I-35.
Chick-fil-A’s Texas Expansion
Chick-fil-A’s decision to build in Hillsboro aligns with its ongoing expansion across Texas. The chain already operates numerous locations in the state, including recent openings in San Antonio, Spring Branch, and San Juan. For example, a $4.5 million restaurant near the University of Texas at San Antonio is scheduled to open in June 2026, while a $2.5 million location in Tomball is also in development. These projects reflect Chick-fil-A’s strategy to target both urban and smaller markets, especially along major highways like I-35.
The Hillsboro restaurant is part of a broader trend of Chick-fil-A investing in Central Texas. Nearby cities like Buda and Kyle are also seeing new locations, with construction timelines stretching into late 2024 and early 2025. The chain’s focus on Texas is no surprise, given the state’s love for its chicken sandwiches and the company’s deep roots in Southern culture. Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy in Atlanta, Chick-fil-A has grown to over 2,400 locations nationwide, with Texas as one of its strongest markets.
Community Excitement and Challenges
The announcement of the Hillsboro Chick-fil-A has sparked excitement among residents and travelers. Social media posts on platforms like X have highlighted the convenience of pairing a Buc-ee’s stop with a Chick-fil-A visit, with some users joking about grabbing “Beaver Nuggets and a chicken sandwich in one trip.” The combination of these two brands is seen as a win for Hillsboro, which is quickly shedding its small-town image for a more vibrant, commercial identity.
However, the influx of visitors could strain local infrastructure. Buc-ee’s already draws significant traffic, and adding a Chick-fil-A with its famously long drive-thru lines may lead to congestion on nearby roads. Local officials will need to plan for increased traffic, especially during peak travel times. Still, the economic benefits—new jobs, tax revenue, and increased foot traffic—are likely to outweigh these challenges for Hillsboro’s growing community.
What’s Next for Hillsboro
As construction progresses, Hillsboro residents and Chick-fil-A fans will eagerly await updates on the restaurant’s opening. The TDLR filing indicates a completion date of September 2026, but as with any major project, timelines may shift. MySA has reached out to Chick-fil-A for additional details, and any updates will be shared as they become available. For now, the town is buzzing with anticipation for its new fast-food neighbor.
The arrival of Chick-fil-A near Buc-ee’s underscores Hillsboro’s transformation into a key stop along I-35. With its strategic location, growing economy, and now two major Southern brands, the town is poised for continued growth. Whether you’re craving a chicken sandwich or a bag of Beaver Nuggets, Hillsboro is shaping up to be the place to stop.
