Despite Chick-fil-A’s humble beginnings at N.C . State as just another restaurant in the Atrium, most would agree Chick- fil-A has become a very important part of dining here at N.C . State, known for lines for waffle fries that reach the Atrium entrance. Indeed, Chick-fil-A has gone through many changes over the years before the two-story Chick-fil-A in Cameron Village was even dreamt of.

In the fall of 2009 and prior, most juniors and seniors remember the structure of Chick-fil-A and the pre-renovation Atrium. At the time, there was only one entrance into the area of the Atrium that held Chick-fil-A , and everyone who entered had to pass through a turnstile. There was only one space to get Chick-fil-A , and that small area would often become really crowded, very quickly.

Fast-forward to August 2010, and what students will probably remember most is the “Brickyard Bubble.” The Bubble was a 4000- square foot building on the Brickyard, intended as a temporary seating area until the Atrium renovation was complete. Students also had the option to sit in temporary seating under Harrelson Hall.

During this time Chick-fil-A was still up and running, but with one major change: no waffle fries! This change in Chick-fil-a’s menu was due to the Atrium’s temporary cooking area not meeting the standards necessary to properly prepare the waffle fries.

This temporary menu change affected many students, positively and negatively. Marcus Pollard, senior in communication, said he did not enjoy the no-waffle-fry era.

“The Chick-fil-A sandwich is completed by the waffle fries. When you think of Chick-fil-A , you think of waffle fries, so Chick-fil-A just wasn’t the same without them,” Pollard said.

In August 2011, the finished Atrium opened and featured a new and improved Chick-fil-A . This new Chick-fil-A features two different serving areas and more space, so long lines won’t disrupt the serving areas of the other restaurants.  Students have responded well to the changes and the look of the new Chick-fil -A.

Kamille Watson, junior in communication, said she likes the new look of the Chick-fil-A . “I think the new look makes Chick-fil-A look a lot more welcoming, and it looks a lot better than it did when I first came to N.C . State,” Watson said.

Tierra Pressley , senior in biology, said she has good memories of Chick-fil-A during her time here. “I have good memories of eating Chick-fil-A with my friends in the Atrium. My favorite memory [of] Chick-fil-A is definitely the lemonade,” Pressley said.

Chick-fil-A has been an important part of campus for many students and has provided lots of memories for students over the years.  It is sure to remain a staple venue in the years to come.