Chick-fil-A Joins Williston's Expanding Dining Options

The City of Williston Economic Development Department announced that Chick-fil-A plans to open a new location in Williston, marking the first site in western North Dakota and the seventh in the state.

The restaurant will be built at Williston Square, continuing a series of commercial investments in the city. Officials said Williston’s growth, strong household incomes, and young workforce have attracted national brands seeking to expand in the Bakken region’s economic hub.

Economic Development Director Anna Nelson said the project aligns with efforts to improve quality of life and expand amenities. “As we work to meet the calls of current and future residents for enhanced quality of life and expanded amenities, Chick-fil-A not only aligns with that vision but actively advances it,” Nelson said. “Recently named Site Selection Magazine’s #1 Micropolitan City in the U.S., this project further reflects the sustained growth we are experiencing across the Williston region in both development activity and population. We are grateful for Chick-fil-A’s investment in, commitment to, and partnership with the City of Williston, and we look forward to welcoming them to the community.”

Williston Mayor Howard Klug said the announcement highlights the city’s role as a regional center. “This announcement reinforces Williston’s position as a regional center in North Dakota’s expanding economy,” Klug said. “Our economic development team has a proven plan of attracting new businesses while supporting existing areas of established growth in our community. Recent announcements in the Badlands Town Center and proposed changes of our Star Fund policies to support the downtown areas show that, while Williston Square is a great place to be, there are opportunities throughout our community that continue to build the Western Star. We want to thank Chick-fil-A for their belief in Williston and with this announcement it will help in attracting first class businesses to Williston.”

Portfolio Commissioner Tori Siemieniewski said the project adds to ongoing momentum. “Chick-fil-A’s arrival adds to the incredible momentum already building in Williston,” Siemieniewski said. “Combined with Target’s announcement earlier this year of a 134,000-square-foot store coming to the community, we are seeing a powerful wave of new commercial energy and investment. These nationally recognized brands choosing Williston reinforces what we’ve known all along: this is a growing, thriving, and dynamic community where businesses want to be. Each new addition brings more jobs, more dining and shopping options, and more confidence in our future.”