PORTLAND, Ore. — In a transformation that perfectly encapsulates the changing commercial landscape of the Pacific Northwest, one of America’s most recognizable fast-food giants is preparing to set up shop in a space formerly defined by adult entertainment. New details have emerged regarding the long-awaited return of Chick-fil-A to the Portland city limits, with the Georgia-based chain now targeting an “early 2026” opening for its newest location on Southeast Stark Street.
The restaurant will occupy the site of the former Venue Gentleman’s Club at 9950 S.E. Stark St., situated just north of the Mall 205 shopping center. For local residents, the move represents a dramatic shift in the neighborhood’s character and a major milestone for the city’s retail recovery.
A Two-Decade Absence
The opening will mark the end of a 23-year hiatus for Chick-fil-A within Portland proper. The chain has not operated a location inside the city since 2003, when its outlet in the Lloyd Center food court closed. While Chick-fil-A has expanded aggressively into neighboring suburbs like Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Gresham over the last decade, the SE Stark Street location will be its first true “Portland” address in the modern era.
A Complex Construction Journey
The path to this opening has been anything but straightforward. Public records indicate that Chick-fil-A acquired the 36,590-square-foot property in 2024 for $3.2 million, but the company began filing permits as early as 2023.
The redevelopment process faced several significant hurdles:
- The January 2025 Fire: Early construction efforts were severely hampered by a structural fire on January 4, 2025. While Portland Fire & Rescue saved the main structure, the incident caused significant delays in the renovation timeline.
- The Zoning Strategy: Because the site is zoned as Central Commercial (CX), new construction would typically require a high-density, multi-story building. To bypass these requirements and maintain a single-story fast-food footprint, Chick-fil-A opted to rehabilitate the existing 1984 structure rather than demolish it. This allows the restaurant to retain its “nonconforming use” status.
- No Drive-Thru: In a rare move for the chain, this location will not feature a drive-thru. To comply with pedestrian-oriented zoning and avoid major traffic spillover, the site will focus on its 98 indoor seats, outdoor patio, and a dedicated area for mobile delivery drivers.
Economic Impact: 600 New Jobs by 2027
The SE Stark Street location is part of a broader “Beaver State” blitz. Chick-fil-A recently announced plans to open six new restaurants across Oregon by early 2027, a move expected to generate over 600 local jobs.
Following the successful opening of a Lake Oswego location in 2024 and recent debuts in Sherwood and Corvallis, the company is eyeing further expansion in:
- Cornelius
- Tigard
- Wood Village
- Portland (Mall 205 Area)
Each new restaurant is locally owned and operated, with Chick-fil-A selecting individuals who live in the communities they serve. These operators are known for their participation in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, which redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local shelters and food banks.
International Growth and the 2025 Push
While Portland prepares for its “early 2026” opening, Chick-fil-A has spent much of 2025 focused on a massive international expansion. The company launched its first permanent restaurants in the United Kingdom (Leeds) and is slated to debut in Singapore by the end of this year. These moves are part of a $1 billion global investment strategy aimed at establishing a presence in five overseas markets by 2030.