RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis. — Central Wisconsin’s first Chick-fil-A continues to rise quickly in Rib Mountain, with contractors reporting strong progress and the potential for an earlier-than-planned opening in January 2026.
Louisville-based Buffalo Construction, Inc. began work in August, and crews have already finished the foundation and parking areas. Current plans call for construction to wrap up by Jan. 23 with a Feb. 5 opening, but workers say that timeline could accelerate if weather remains favorable. Under the best-case scenario, doors could open as early as Jan. 15.
Even with challenges including weather shifts and scheduling constraints, the team says their momentum remains strong.
“You know, when you’re fighting the clock, you know, and you got an owner that you work for, you care about their families, the opportunities that this is going to bring locally. Um, there’s a bit of pressure, but once we were able to bring American Asphalt in here, get the asphalt down, it was kind of time to exhale,” said Donny Jenkins, project superintendent for Buffalo Construction, Inc.
The new restaurant will also include a notable feature: a dedicated indoor play area, something not included in every Chick-fil-A location. The design intends to make the restaurant a family-friendly community destination.
Beyond its dining experience, the project is expected to generate dozens of jobs in the Rib Mountain–Wausau area. Chick-fil-A leadership says early engagement with residents has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are excited about the progress. It’s been great working with the local municipality, and we’re just excited to get open and serve the people here is the Wausau and Rib Mountain area,” said Jason Hill, director of development and construction for Chick-fil-A.
Local officials say the development reflects growing commercial investment in the Rib Mountain retail corridor, where quick-service restaurants and national retailers continue to expand.
As exterior work continues, crews will soon shift focus to interior finishes, kitchen equipment installation, signage, and staff onboarding — all key steps leading up to opening day.
Community members watching construction progress say they’re eager for the convenience and familiarity the brand will bring — along with the employment and economic benefits.
Originally reported by Mayra Parrilla Guerrero in WSAW.
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