Everyone in DC seems to know the Burger King at Van Ness more for its rock ‘n roll and 80’s movie decor than for its food.
By this time next year, the restaurant’s Capital Theater sign, the ET kids and the Kindergarten Cop poster will be gone, and so will the Burger King restaurant and building at 4422 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Going up in its place, says ANC 3F Commissioner Malachy Nugent, will be a new building housing a different restaurant: Chick-fil-A.
The Burger King is within single member district ANC 3F06, which also includes Bread Furst, Days Inn and some high-rises and single family homes west of Connecticut. 3F06 Commissioner Nugent has been collecting feedback from constituents about the Chick-Fil-A plans. He answered our questions.
What is the plan?
Nugent: The plan is to demolish the old Burger King building at 4422 Connecticut Avenue and replace it with a new brick-and-glass structure that will house a Chick-fil-A restaurant. The footprint of the new building will be essentially the same, with the drive-through going up one side and down the other, but the front will be opened up with the addition of patio seating and some new landscaping. All of this is contingent upon Chick-fil-A receiving the necessary permits from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), of course.
What is the closing date for Burger King?
Unclear at this point.
Has Chick-Fil-A presented you with its timetable?
The engineers are still preparing the schedule, but they told me they expect to begin construction next summer and complete it within roughly three months.
When and how did you learn about Burger King closing and Chick-fil-A moving in?
We [ANC-3F] first heard about a possible change in mid-October, when DDOT notified us that applications had been submitted for work at 4422 Connecticut Avenue. Those first applications were withdrawn for technical reasons, however, and corrected versions were resubmitted at the end of October. I received those corrected versions [last week].
What is the ANC role in Chick-fil-A moving in?
The ANC’s role is to support or object to Chick-fil-A’s permit applications, which we do based on our judgment of the public impact. DDOT, which grants the actual permits, makes its final decision after giving “great weight” to the ANC’s view.
What issues particularly concern you?
Off the top of my head, I’ll want to look at issues surrounding traffic congestion (both on Connecticut Avenue and in the alley, during construction and afterward), noise issues (both during construction and afterward), pedestrian safety (where the drive-through crosses the sidewalk), and environmental stewardship (storm-water run-off, landscaping). I’ll also want to pay close attention to any plans to close the public sidewalk or travel lanes on Connecticut and the alley. Other issues will undoubtedly arise as well.
What is the timetable for its consideration before the ANC?
I will offer a formal resolution at our next public meeting (November 17) to support or oppose Chick-fil-A’s permits. We’ll debate the issues and hear public comments, and then the Commission will vote. I will then convey the ANC’s position to DDOT before the end of November.
Why such a quick turnaround for a decision by the ANC?
That’s the deadline given to us by Public Space. We get 30 days from the Oct 27 postmark, which takes it to around December 8. We could probably push it to after our December 15 meeting but I prefer to keep that as a fallback rather than default option.
What is matter of right for Chick-fil-A and what issues will ANC be able to weigh in on?
We will weigh in on anything that we feel impacts the neighborhood. Not every issue will be a matter for formal ANC consideration, but I will remain actively engaged in the process before, during, and after construction. I’ve already been in touch with the property manager, engineering firm, and the residents and businesses on that block, and I’m confident we will be able to work together to address any concerns that arise.
What have you heard from your constituents?
I have heard from a few constituents who are disappointed to see Burger King replaced by another fast food restaurant, and a few who have expressed dismay with Chick-fil-A itself; others have written to say they’re thrilled with the change. However, most of the comments have been about potential impacts from the construction: noise, traffic, safety, etc.
What would you want at this location – any particular type of building and business?
I’m just thrilled to see another business making a substantial, long-term investment in Van Ness. It’s yet another sign of confidence in the future of our neighborhood!
MS says
Oh, no, I’m going to gain 20 pounds because I LOVE Chick-FIl-A!
CS says
I liked Burger King but didn’t go very often. but Chick-Fil-A is the best fast food I have ever had and I am psyched! At least I can walk there and back to work off some of the guilt.
Matt says
Do we know what retail will be at park van ness yet?
Tracy J. says
Sally Gresham said at an ANC meeting a few months ago that the frame store is returning. No details yet on anything else.
John says
The two curb cuts (three if you include the always busy car wash) there are bad enough with BK in terms of blocking the sidewalk and general not looking where one is going across a busy sidewalk. The problem will almost certainly be exacerbated when a more popular, higher traffic restaurant takes over.
From an admittedly more subjective viewpoint, but in concert with the above, I would much prefer a building which increases the amount of frontage (preferably abutting the buildings on both sides) that is non-driveway. Such a design which eliminates driveways, blank walls, and alleys creates a more pleasant place to walk. If Potbelly, Subway, and Starbucks can survive without a drive-thru, so can Chick-Fil-A.
Tracy J. says
The sightlines for drivers come out of the drive-thru are terrible as it is. They can’t see vehicle traffic if they pull onto the walkway, and some of them seem to have a blindspot for pedestrians if they’re watching traffic from a perch higher up on the driveway. I can’t imagine the walled patio will help.
The location does have another advantage that Subway, Starbucks and Potbelly do not: Parking in the back. Now if Chick-fil-A (or any other fast-food chain) could just be persuaded that’s enough…
Eli says
In full agreement with John. I always hold my breath passing the Burger King because I half-expect a car to come flying down the hilly drive-thru exit. That’s of course after I have to weave through cars trying to enter the car wash who are invariably blocking the sidewalk…
Outdoor seating will be a nice change from the current Burger King, but this design is really more suited for a suburban location, not one in a growing part of the city.
DS says
Interestingly, Chick-Fil-A has also filed a public space application for the former Payless shoe store location on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown (across the street from the Best Buy).
ANC 3E thinks Chick-Fil-A might be on the ANC’s December agenda.
Tracy J. says
That’s very interesting. Hedging their bets? Or going for the AU/Wilson crowd?
Martin says
If demolition and construction will block foot traffic on that side of Connecticut I hope it will be begun after the sidewalk on the other side of Connecticut has re-opened to walkers & Redline users.
Tracy J. says
The Park Van Ness sidewalk is scheduled to reopen at the end of this year.
TM says
It’s quite concerning to us that the Van Ness community would support a business which has a blatant track record of discrimination against many our own: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick-fil-A_same-sex_marriage_controversy
susan says
I agree with TM. Chick-fil-A is not the kind of company we should do business with because of its discriminatory practices. Besides, why do we need/want another fast food place on Connecticut Avenue? We don’t.. SD
MS says
Oh, please, each Chick-Fil-A is a franchise, and unless you know in advance that the franchisee engages in illegal practices, you have absolutely no basis for hurling accusations.
Tracy J. says
Please help keep this conversation civil. We’re neighbors.
DS says
In this case, saying Chick-Fil-A has discriminatory practices does sound like an accusation.
The news three years ago was how the company’s owners used their profits (to donate to groups with some, hmm, to follow the civil note will say they had some striking views).
It’s a fine point, but a real one. Chick-Fil-A’s policies weren’t the issue, it was the owner and his p.r. firestorm. It’s not like Exxon, which bought Mobil and then as a company took away partnership benefits Mobil employees had given to its employees. Or the companies that won’t serve same-sex weddings.
Tracy J. says
You are correct. The owners’ views on gays are not written into company policy. I broke a personal rule of mine and threw my own comment out there before thoroughly reading the rest of the thread.
Frank says
It’s Days Inn not Day’s Inn .
Tracy J. says
Fixed. And a special mea culpa since I used to work at one. It was 25 years ago, but still…
Ashley L. says
This would be a real shame. I wouldn’t eat at Chick Fil A for a variety of reasons. That’s fine because I don’t need to want to eat at every restaurant in the neighborhood. But it seems like a lot of work just to perpetuate the same poor use of space. In a perfect world the building could be a higher density use of space than a standalone fast food restaurant. But I don’t think it’s too much to ask that it be something oriented towards the existing foot traffic. Between the drive thru and it being a polarizing chain like Chick Fil A, I suspect it would just cater to the car traffic on Connecticut rather than anyone who walks through the neighborhood.
And in an even more perfect world, the neighborhood would be attracting one of the many national or local fast casual chains. If Chick Fil A ends up in the former Payless space on Wisconsin Ave, at least Tenleytown would have a Chipotle, Panera, Cava, and eventually District Taco to ease the embarrassment of housing one of DC’s few Chick Fil A’s!
Barbara says
I agree with John. It is dangerous walking down there especially for older folks. Cars zoom out of the Burger King drive thru. I hope the restaurant doesn’t go in that spot. I don’t think it is what residents want. I have no issues w/ the restaurant but feel it may attract those who don’t live in the neighborhood. Let it go into the Tenley neighborhood.
Rob says
I agree with John, Barbara and others who have expressed significant concerns over the negative impact that this will have on traffic flow on Connecticut Ave as well as on the safety of pedestrians that use this heavily walked route to the subway and other businesses. The car wash and the current Burger King already make this a nightmare with traffic often backed up onto Connecticut Avenue and the side street. Cars zip in and out of the Burger King drive through with little regard for the pedestrian traffic. The lack of any significant parking in the back will mean that most of the business will be drive-through. The likelihood that Chick Fil A will be significantly more popular than the Burger King is going to make this a traffic and pedestrian nightmare. I would much rather see this space used for some type of retail or restaurant space that was not dependent on a drive through in a residentially dense neighborhood. Please do not support this permit application by Chick Fil A.
Scott Seay says
I, and my family of five, own our property here, pay taxes, live, go to school, shop, and WALK in our Van Ness area neighborhood. Replacing Burger King with ANY other large franchised chain, along with allowing the drive-through to remain, is a shameful short-sighted approach to any attempt at progressive urban development of our neighborhood. Other commenters adroitly point out the obvious and common sense concerns over allowing yet another company perpetuate a drive-through on this block. Try and walk this block during morning rush hour, or lunch, or frankly, any time throughout the day. It can be quite dangerous. The car wash is what it is. At least the car wash provides an unique service to the upper NW area. I do, however, applaud the idea of dedicated outdoor dining space. There is ample foot traffic along this corridor that supports local, thoughtful businesses that provide quality goods and services. Just go ask the bakery two doors down (I have no affiliation). Notwithstanding the obvious shortcomings in the narrow-minded approach to blindly allowing one large franchised food chain to replace another, Chick-Fil-A has a very poor discrimination record. Chick-Fil-A has the right to espouse whatever beliefs it so choses, and we, in this neighborhood, have the right to say, and vote with our money and non-patronage, that Chick-Fil-A is not welcome here.
MS says
I and my family are taxpayers as well, and we support the Chick-Fil-A.
Now let’s review the baseless allegations in your comment:
1) ” Chick-Fil-A has a very poor discrimination record.” Wrong. Chick-Fil-A itself has never been accused of any kind of illegal discrimination. And since it’s a franchise, the new franchisee cannot legally be responsible for any actions of another franchisee.
2) “Chick-Fil-A has the right to espouse whatever beliefs it so choses, and we, in this neighborhood, have the right to say, and vote with our money and non-patronage, that Chick-Fil-A is not welcome here.”
You seem to be alleging that the CORPORATION has made political comments that you disagree with. Wrong again. One person who works in the corporate parent made comments and contributions with which you disagree. The Chick-Fil-A parent did not make any contributions. Being opposed to a Chick-Fil-A franchise because of this makes about as much sense of somebody boycotting the District of Columbia because Marion Barry once made disparaging comments about Korean shopkeepers. In other words, it’s nonsensical.
You, of course, can decide not to eat at Chick-Fil-A for whatever reason you want, whether those reasons are logical or not. But you should be hurling factually false allegations against a franchisee whom you simply do not know at all.
Jim says
The allegations are hardly baseless. Search Google news for “chick-fil-a discrimination” and read some of the 20,00o hits.
“One person who works in the corporate parent” It wasn’t just one person who works at the corporate parent, it was the CEO. And the contributions weren’t small. The Washington Post reported them to be “in the millions.”
Here’s what they have been up to lately: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/chick-fil-a-wings-in-new-direction-after-gay-flap/2014/04/09/8e424e04-c00f-11e3-9ee7-02c1e10a03f0_story.html
Jim says
Oh, and the applicant isn’t a franchisee. It’s Chick-fil-A corporate from Atlanta, Please do not accuse people stating the facts as “hurling factually false allegations.” it demeans the rest of the readers.
Paul says
Rob, Scott Seay, Jim, Ashley L., TM and Susan,
I’ve already written an email to our neighborhood commissioner, Malachy Nugent, stating my opposition to this establishment. I would urge you to do the same (NugentANC3F@gmail.com). Also, I have drafted a petition that I plan to circulate over the next couple of weeks before the public meeting on the 17th. If you would like to sign it, or if you would like copies of it to circulate amongst like-minded individuals, please email me at psmiskol@yahoo.com. We don’t have much time to stop this, but we need to attend that meeting and voice our concerns.
Thank you.
Weski says
While I’m sorry a higher rise, multiuse building isn’t in the cards, I am thrilled to have the drive thru continued so I don’t have to go to McDonalds on Wisconsin. I love Chick-fil-A, their good customer service and great chicken and lemonade. There is room for a wide variety of “fast food.”. As for traffic, it is closed on Sunday when the car wash has lines around the block. More traffic issues there than at the BK.
Matt B says
Why isn’t a high-rise, multi-use building in the cards? If we want Van Ness to be a “main street” we should seek to eliminate curb-cuts and drive-throughs. These only promote an auto-centric mentality and a main street needs to have a walking-centric mentality.
marchesa says
The commercial structure of Connecticut Avenue has been optimized for drivers. The drive throughs at the BK and the carwash and the timing of the lights suit their needs. The bright exception to this in the last couple of years is Bread Furst, a people scaled business focused on creating fresh food from carefully sourced ingredients. The pedestrian dangers of navigating the west side of Connecticut have been amplified by B.F. Saul’s DC government endorsed complete closure of the east side sidewalk for the last two years. For the west side to serve the neighborhood, the car wash and the BK (or Chick-Fil-A) drive through should be eliminated. And if it has to be fast food, we should get a SweetGreen or a Lyfe Kitchen instead of a fast food chicken joint.
albemarle says
Please, most of these comments are missing the forest for the trees, the Chik Fil A would be a far greater improvement than the Burger King which has been run down for years, and the use is already in play, if Chik Fil A is declined or forced elsewhere then a lousy Burger King will remain indefinitely, as a matter of right. So then everyone loses the neighborhood and the land owners and Chik Fil A, and to what end……..
Mitchell says
To whom it may concern:
Washington DC one time was labeled murder capital in the early nineties into the millennium. Nobody wanted to come to Washington DC and companies were pulling out of DC. Now and the 21st century you got million dollar retailer and restaurants like Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Panera Breads, Chick-fil-A, Denny’s. Investors are putting money back into Washington DC. New Townhomes, Apartments,Condos,Houses. Real Job growth for construction workers,retail,food industry families able to pay bills and take vacations. Stop all picketing, protest, petitions.The car wash most likely will not stand the test of time and what do you think will come next. You saying why can’t they just keep the Burger King that is not reasonable it is an out-of-date building move on with the times. No fast food free-standing company will be open without a drive-thru that is most of their revenue. So you want Chick-fil-A back out and have a vacant building there for about eight year or more. Companies don’t have time to fight with citizens and Commissioners they will simply keep it moving. Also Chick-fil-A gives back to the community. I seen a similar issue with Walmart plans for more stores but because City Planning change they backed out on those deals. We don’t need to lose another company that’s willing to invest in the nation’s capital. DC is an inviting City now people see the investment they see the hard work that people have put in to rebuild DC There’s No Stopping Us Now. Stop harassing billion dollar companies that are willing to invest and job growth and revenue back to a city that once was strictly of crime and poverty. It is great to see this city at the Multicultural Community once again not this a one-sided race barrier. So I send peace and blessings across the Planning Commission for a peaceful resolution with the drive-thru and the car wash it is ridiculous but we must manifest the beauty that God has blessed us all to witnesses while we on this Earth.