New Chick-fil-A Opens on Hamilton, Strengthening Ties with Sioux City and BCU

A new Chick‑fil‑A has opened near Briar Cliff, offering a new dining option for students, faculty and staff.

Photo by Kaden Allred

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant has opened in Sioux City at 820 Hamilton Blvd., bringing a popular dining option closer to Briar Cliff University students, faculty and staff, and becoming a growing presence in the local community.

For Stephen Chestnut, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A at the corner of Hamilton and Wesley, the restaurant’s proximity to a university was intentional and meaningful.

“It is honestly one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” Chestnut said. “A university is filled with young adults in such an important season of life—growing, learning, and discovering who they are and where they are headed.”

Chestnut said being close to Briar Cliff allows the restaurant to serve as more than just a place to eat. He hopes it can be a consistent and positive environment where students can study, connect with friends, grab a quick meal between classes or gain leadership experience through employment.

“We get to build genuine relationships, not just transactions,” Chestnut said.

The restaurant currently employs Briar Cliff student-athletes and regularly supports university events, games and visiting families. Chestnut emphasized that working with the university will remain a priority moving forward.

“Partnering with local schools and universities is something we are always excited to do,” he said. “We want to support Briar Cliff not just as a nearby business, but as a true community partner.”

The Chick-fil-A also offers fundraising opportunities for campus organizations and is available to provide food at athletic events, concessions and special university gatherings. Students are encouraged to apply for jobs at the restaurant, which offers flexible scheduling and benefits designed to support student life, including free meals during shifts and professional development opportunities.

The Hamilton Boulevard location was chosen because of its central location in Sioux City.

“We chose this location because it sits right in the heart of daily life,” Chestnut said. “Visibility and convenience matter, but just as important was being in a place where we could truly serve the community—families, professionals and students alike.”

Chestnut described the community response to the new location as overwhelmingly positive.

“From day one, people were excited, supportive and welcoming,” he said. “We do not see ourselves as just operating in Sioux City, but as being part of Sioux City.”

Briar Cliff sophomore Bret Richards, a business administration major from Irwin, Iowa, and a member of the baseball team, said the new location is a convenient addition for students.

“It’s nice that I don’t have to drive all the way across town to get to it,” Richards said. “It adds more options to my dining choices.”

Richards added that while the restaurant is popular among students, affordability is still a concern.

“It would be nice if students got a discount in some way, because not all students have lots of money to spend,” he said.

Chestnut said he wants students and community members to understand that the restaurant’s mission goes beyond food.

“Our mission is to have a positive influence on every person who comes through our doors,” he said. “For students especially, we want to be a place of opportunity—not just a paycheck, but a place that builds leadership, responsibility, and confidence.”

As Chick-fil-A Hamilton and Wesley settles into its new home, Chestnut hopes the restaurant will continue to grow as a gathering place that reflects Sioux City’s sense of community and connection.