[Disclaimer: This article was originally published on April Fools’ Day, and it should not be interpreted as factual reporting.]
McDaniel College is set to welcome its newest dining option this fall: a full-service Chick-fil-A location inside Mid-Roj, right next to The Pub. The announcement, made earlier this week by the Office of Dining Services, promises to bring the beloved fast-food chain’s chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and signature sauces directly to campus.
“The demand from our students has been overwhelming,” said the Director of Dining Services. “We are excited to provide a convenient, high-quality option that aligns with students’ preferences while enhancing the campus dining experience.”
Currently, students traveling off-campus to satisfy their Chick-fil-A cravings can spend upwards of 20 minutes in the drive-thru or wait for delivery. With the new location, Dining Services hopes to reduce off-campus trips and create a central spot where students can enjoy a quick meal between classes, or even after a late-night study session.
The new Mid-Roj Chick-fil-A will feature mobile ordering through the campus app, meal plan compatibility, and a selection of the chain’s most popular items. However, true to Chick-fil-A tradition, it will not be open on Sundays, a fact Dining Services says students have taken in stride.
Students reacted with a mixture of excitement and skepticism. “This will completely change my schedule,” said a McDaniel college sophomore. “I was going to miss class just to make it to the nearest Chick-fil-A. Now I don’t have to.” Meanwhile, one McDaniel senior expressed some concern: “Mid-Roj is already crowded. I just hope they manage the lines.”
Some students are already joking about the campus-wide craze the new location may inspire. One student quipped, “I’m prepared to take the mandatory sauce selection survey every single day.” The college will host a “nugget-eating competition” to celebrate the opening. First place winner will receive unlimited nuggets for the remainder of the semester.
While the opening date has been set for Fall 2026, students are encouraged to check the calendar carefully, especially if today happens to be April 1.