CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Chick-fil-A restaurant inside Charleston Town Center will permanently close on December 31, 2026, ending 34 years of operation at the downtown shopping mall.
Owner-Operator Alan Smith announced the closure in a message to customers, expressing gratitude to the Charleston community for its support over more than three decades.
Smith said the decision to close the restaurant was not his to make, but he believes the circumstances surrounding the decision were carefully considered.
“It is with a heavy yet abundantly grateful heart that I announce the permanent closure of Chick-fil-A Charleston Town Center effective December 31, 2026,” Smith wrote.
The closure comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Charleston Town Center.
According to Smith, although the exact timeline for the mall’s closure remains unclear, logistical challenges associated with continuing operations into 2027 make it impractical for the restaurant to remain open.
Smith also confirmed there are no plans to relocate the restaurant.
Smith has operated the Chick-fil-A location for 34 years, having taken over the restaurant when he was a young man.
In his announcement, Smith emphasized his commitment to supporting employees as they prepare for the restaurant’s closure.
He said he intends to provide his team with assistance throughout the transition while maintaining the restaurant’s usual standards of service during its final weeks.
Smith also thanked the community for its loyalty and support throughout the years.
The restaurant will continue serving customers through its final weeks of operation, with employees working to provide a memorable farewell to longtime guests.
The Chick-fil-A location is scheduled to close permanently on December 31, with no replacement location announced.
