Is a New Chick-Fil-A Really Coming to Saugerties, NY?

2023 has been an exciting year for fried chicken-lovers in New York. Chick-Fil-A, the fast food restaurant with a nearly cult-like following, has finally opened restaurants in the Hudson Valley... but are there even more on the way?

The new locations have coincided with the recent remodels of nearly every rest area on the New York State Thruway. In May of 2023, the remodeled Plattekill Service Area in Plattekill, NY opened its doors, boasting a Panera Bread, Starbucks Drive-Thru, and a Burger King in addition to the celebrated Chick-Fil-A. But what about a few miles north in Saugerties, NY?

The Malden Service Area is currently under construction (Google)

Is Chick-Fil-A Coming to Saugerties, NY?

Rumors can get started just as quickly as you can write something on social media... just like the post recently seen in the Saugerties Village Facebook group. "I read on Saugerties Rumors that we’re going to be getting a Chick-fil-A at the Malden hot shop... big [news] if true", it said. So what's the deal?

The New Baltimore Service Area before construction began (Google)

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants in New York State Thruway Service Areas

"’I've heard first hand from [a] manager [that] New Baltimore will be the closest for Chick-Fil-A, Malden will be Popeyes", came the refuting comment from a resident claiming to have firsthand knowledge of the situation. Luckily, the NYSTA was able to provide a definitive answer to the hearsay.

Map of all New York State Thruway Service Areas (NYSTA)

Chick-Fil-A Locations in the Hudson Valley, NY

Currently, the NYSTA lists seven service areas on the Thruway that have a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, with Plattekill Service Area in Plattekill, NY and the New Baltimore Service Area in Hannacroix, NY being the only restaurant locations in the Hudson Valley. A representative from the NYSTA confirmed that a Popeyes will open at the Malden Service Area near Saugerties, NY, not Chick-Fil-A.

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Chicken sandwiches aren't the only thing that makes the New York State Thruway special. Though the service areas are receiving much-needed renovations, a look to the past shows that they were pretty impressive in the 1950s, too. Take a look at some fascinating throwback photos below, and keep scrolling to see what they will look like in 2024.

What New York State Thruway Rest Stops Looked Like in the 1950s

According to the Thruway Authority, the very first rest stops were erected in the mid-1950s offering travelers cafeteria-style food, coffee, and snacks. Today, these rest stops are going through their second major remodel which will bring new restaurants and amenities for Thruway travelers. According to these old images from the Thruway Authority, our local rest stops have come a long way in seventy years.

Gallery Credit: Boris

Take a Look at the First NY Thruway Rest Area Completed

There has been a lot of construction being done on the New York State Thruway Rest Areas and finally, we are starting to see some of the rest stops being completed. Although the first rest area is open, this is one of the smaller versions of what the other ones will look like. The Indian Castle rest area just 90 minutes west of Albany is beautiful with a Popeye's and Starbucks inside. It boasts a Starbucks drive-thru and a convenience store featuring a variety of New York state products.

Gallery Credit: Chrissy Townsquare Media

Filed Under: Hudson Valley Restaurants

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