After a 20 Year Absence, Chick-fil-A is Returning to Iowa State

A popular fast food option will soon be available to students at Iowa State University. Chick-fil-A is back!

Chick-fil-A Was Once a Staple on the ISU Campus

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Chick-fil-A near the Iowa State Memorial Union closed its doors nearly two decades ago. It was part of an expansion project that brought in national restaurant chains like Subway, Panda Express, and McDonalds. Chick-fil-A closed in 2005, and ISU shifted away from national franchises. Two restaurant chains remain for students at the Union, Panda Express and Sushi-Do, according to the Gazette.

Chick-fil-A Agrees to a New Lease with Iowa State

The Gazette reports that Chick-fil-A will return to the Union with a new location on the ground floor near the food court. The restaurant has agreed to a new 10-year lease, with ISU chipping in $750,000 to build the new restaurant. Chick-fil-A would pay Iowa State a commission of 4% during years one through five, and 10% years six through 10. The Gazette reports that there is also an option for a five-year extension on the lease.

Do Other Iowa Colleges Have Franchise Restaurants?

The Gazette reports that the University of Northern Iowa does not have national restaurants, although it does serve Starbucks coffee. The University of Iowa also does not have franchised restaurants. However, that could change as a large renovation to the Iowa Memorial Union is planned for 2027, and the school is said to be inquiring about "nationally branded food franchises", according to the Gazette.