H1: Chick-fil-A to Open at Former Herberger’s Site in Stillwater
H2: A Familiar Corner Gets New Life
After sitting vacant for years, the old Herberger’s site in Stillwater is about to see a major revival. Chick-fil-A has officially received approval from the Stillwater City Council to build a 5,218-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at 2001 Washington Avenue — the same site where Herberger’s once anchored a busy shopping area before closing in 2018.
H2: Minnesota Expansion Continues
This new Stillwater location will bring the total number of Chick-fil-A restaurants in Minnesota to nearly 30. The closest restaurant for Stillwater residents has long been in Maplewood, but that’s about to change. The chain, known for its fried chicken sandwiches and fast drive-thru lines, has been expanding steadily across the state. Earlier this year, Chick-fil-A made headlines for buying a shuttered Best Buy in Shakopee, with plans to build a restaurant and lease part of the site for other uses.
H2: Reviving Vacant Retail Sites
The Stillwater project reflects a growing trend in Minnesota: repurposing empty big-box retail properties. From department stores to electronics chains, many of these large sites have sat unused for years. Chick-fil-A’s approach of reactivating these spaces brings economic energy back into neighborhoods while minimizing new land development. For Stillwater, this could mean more traffic for surrounding businesses and renewed life for a once-quiet retail corner.
H2: What Residents Are Saying
Reaction from locals has been mixed. Some are thrilled about a closer Chick-fil-A option and the jobs it will bring. Others worry about traffic congestion and long drive-thru lines near Washington Avenue. But either way, it’s clear this project will be one of the most visible new developments in Stillwater heading into 2026.
Closing:
As Stillwater’s landscape continues to evolve, projects like this highlight how national brands are reinvesting in Minnesota communities. Whether you’re excited for a Spicy Deluxe or curious about what’s next for Stillwater development, I’ll keep you updated.
I’m Darin the Minnesotan, your Twin Cities Realtor — keeping up with all things Minnesota, so you don’t have to.
