Residents participating in Oak Ridge Falls’ latest community economic development survey overwhelmingly agreed that the region should focus on attracting high-wage employers, creating better career opportunities and recruiting a Chick-fil-A as quickly as possible.
“We heard a very consistent message,” said Economic Development Director Sarah Mitchell. “People want good jobs, stronger wages, more opportunities for their children and Chick-fil-A.”
The survey was conducted as part of a new five-year economic development strategy and asked residents to identify their top priorities for the community.
Respondents expressed strong support for advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology, workforce development and entrepreneurship.
Chick-fil-A finished ahead of all of them.
“We didn’t actually include Chick-fil-A as an option,” Mitchell said.
Residents added it in the comment section.
Repeatedly.
Of the 612 survey responses received, 184 specifically mentioned Chick-fil-A.
Another 73 requested “better restaurants,” which staff believe may also mean Chick-fil-A.
“We’re still coding the responses,” Mitchell said.
Community leaders said they were encouraged by residents’ interest in economic growth. One respondent wrote that Oak Ridge Falls needs “more companies offering careers, not just jobs.” The next sentence read: “Also we desperately need a Chick-fil-A.” Another requested employers paying at least $75,000 annually, improved technical training and “somewhere decent to get chicken on the way home.” Officials explained during a public meeting that traditional economic development organizations generally focus on primary employers that bring new investment and outside dollars into the community. Restaurant recruitment operates differently. That distinction generated several follow-up questions. “So who recruits Chick-fil-A?” asked resident Debbie Marshall. Mitchell explained that restaurant locations are typically driven by population, traffic counts, household income, market demand and corporate real estate strategy. Marshall remained unconvinced. “Have we called them?” she asked. Mitchell confirmed that someone had. Several times. The organization has previously communicated with retail developers about Oak Ridge Falls’ growth and market potential, but officials emphasized that no economic development organization can simply award a restaurant project to itself. Residents suggested trying harder. “If we can recruit a $200 million factory, surely we can get a chicken sandwich,” one attendee said. Mitchell explained that the two processes are unrelated. “That seems like a flaw in the system,” the attendee replied. The Chick-fil-A discussion has also complicated the organization’s efforts to establish measurable goals for the strategic plan. Proposed metrics include new capital investment, jobs created, average wages, available industrial acreage and employer retention. A resident advisory group recommended adding “Chick-fil-A status.” Staff are considering it. Economic development officials said they understand why restaurant options matter to residents. “Quality of life is absolutely part of economic development,” Mitchell said. “Amenities matter when you’re trying to attract and retain talent.” Residents agreed enthusiastically. “Exactly,” Marshall said. “So Chick-fil-A.” Officials hope the community’s continued population growth will eventually attract additional national retailers and restaurants. In the meantime, the nearest Chick-fil-A is 27 miles away. Several residents said that is unacceptable. “That’s basically another county,” one said. At press time, the Oak Ridge Falls Economic Development Corporation had announced a new manufacturer expected to create 140 jobs with an average annual wage of $68,000. The Facebook announcement received 46 comments. Eleven said congratulations. Thirty-two asked if this would help get a Chick-fil-A.
