Chick-fil-A at Lindale Mall expected to open later this year

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Demolition of a former Ruby Tuesday's on the perimeter of Lindale Mall is under way in preparation for construction of a new freestanding Chick-fil-A restaurant, expected to open in the fall.

The 7,794-square-foot building at 217 Collins Road NE, which has housed a number of eateries in recent years, will be replaced with a 4,866-square-foot structure that will feature a drive-through lane along its west side and 80-plus car parking lot on its east side. Trees and landscaping along the west side of the property were removed earlier this week.

The new Chick-fil-A will have indoor seating for 140 and outdoor seating for 28. The new building will be leased from Simon Property Group, which owns Lindale Mall.

The fast-food chain, known for its whimsical “Eat mor chikin” advertising campaign, has operated a store in Westdale Mall for many years. It has not operated a standalone location in Cedar Rapids.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A is the nation's second-largest chicken restaurant chain with more than 1,600 locations in 39 states and Washington, D.C. , specializing in chicken sandwiches and nuggets. The company's menu also includes breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, wraps, sandwiches and salads.

Chick-fil-A, a privately held, family-owned business, posted annual sales of more than $4.1 billion in 2011. The Willis, Texas-based chain plans to open 79 freestanding, two mall and 15 licensed locations in 2012.

Dave DeWitte of The Gazette contributed to this story.