As construction on a second Chick-fil-A in Pleasanton continues, community concerns arose about the restaurant building a drive-thru -- which was not part of the approved plans -- but city representatives recently confirmed otherwise, attempting to put those worries to rest.

"The Chik-fil-A (sic) will not have a drive-thru," city communications manager Heather Tiernan told the Weekly.

The fast-food restaurant, widely known for its chicken sandwiches, signed the lease back in September 2022 for the vacant space in the Hacienda Business Park at 4501 Hopyard Road previously occupied by Sweet Tomatoes before the buffet chain went bankrupt early in the pandemic.

But in recent weeks, a Pleasanton resident reached out to the Weekly expressing concern about what had seemed to be a drive-thru being constructed at the Chick-fil-A, even though the restaurant had no intentions of constructing one.

However, James Paxson, general manager at Hacienda, told the Weekly that while he did see how the current construction going on could make it seem like there was a drive-thru getting built, there are absolutely no plans to build one.

Tiernan did, however, mention that some of the overall improvements to the location includes a new trash enclosure being constructed, a new path of travel from the Hopyard Road sidewalk to the main entrance compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a new outdoor patio dining area.

Paxson added that he is also excited about the special area that will be designated for pickup and food delivery services.

Tiernan also said that if some residents might have concerns about traffic impacts and pedestrian safety, city review of the project plans show otherwise.

"The project was reviewed by the city's Traffic Engineer prior to the issuance of approvals, which showed that the project would not create any new or worsened traffic or pedestrian safety issues," Tiernan said.

There is currently no firm anticipated opening date for the restaurant as Chick-fil-A is "working with PG&E to upgrade infrastructure and equipment," Tiernan said.