Mayor Matt Miller Shares Major Updates on Chick-fil-A, Industrial Park Growth and Downtown Development
ASHLAND, Ohio — Ashland Mayor Matt Miller shared several exciting updates with ACP News, including plans for a Chick-fil-A restaurant, potential development near the city’s industrial park, continued renovations to the Frontier Building and improvements along city streets.
The biggest announcement was that Chick-fil-A is officially looking to build in Ashland.
“If all goes as planned, we should have a Chick-fil-A restaurant in the Ashland community probably in the third quarter of 2028,” Miller said.
Ashland City Council unanimously approved offering a Community Reinvestment Area tax incentive for the project. Plans call for a restaurant measuring more than 4,000 square feet, representing an estimated investment of approximately $3.5 million.
The restaurant would be constructed near Culver’s at the intersection of Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 250. Miller said the proposed site is the final vacant parcel where Montgomery School once stood.
Although the expected opening remains about two years away, efforts to bring Chick-fil-A to Ashland began much earlier.
According to Miller, city officials first discussed the possibility in 2019 after Brian Wellman, owner-operator of the Strongsville Chick-fil-A, contacted the city. Wellman reportedly said he regularly encountered Ashland residents asking him to bring the restaurant to their community.
That effort did not produce a permanent restaurant, but Wellman later brought a Chick-fil-A food truck to Ashland. The company also provided food during the city’s Big Splash Pool Party for several years.
Approximately a year and a half ago, the city was contacted by a developer representing what was initially described only as a high-profile food franchise. After months of discussions, officials were finally permitted to identify Chick-fil-A publicly.
Miller acknowledged that Ashland is considered a smaller market by many national restaurant chains. However, he believes Culver’s success demonstrates that businesses near the interstate can attract customers from Ashland and surrounding counties.
“What we’re learning is, if you build it, they will come, not only will Ashland residents support it, but it will pull people off Interstate 71,” Miller said. “It will pull people from Wayne County, Medina County and Richland County. That’s what we are seeing with the Culver’s franchise.”
New Business Celebrated in Jeromesville
Miller also highlighted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Last Gentleman’s Barbershop, a new business located on the square in Jeromesville.
The business was opened by Ashland County native Mr. Hoover and offers haircuts, beard grooming and traditional shaves.
“He’s a very interesting and very creative guy, and we wish him much success there in the Village of Jeromesville,” Miller said.
Industrial Park Development Prospects
Several changes are also underway around Ashland’s industrial park.
Miller said much of the recent activity near Wells Road and U.S. Route 250 involved the demolition of the former Lone Pine Saloon building. The property was most recently occupied by A-Town Fitness.
The city received grant funding to remove the structure. Crews will spend the coming months clearing remaining structures, overgrown brush and trees to open additional frontage along U.S. Route 250.
City officials are also working with prospective developers on two projects, although negotiations remain in their early stages.
One proposal involves approximately three large buildings, each measuring between 100,000 and 200,000 square feet. The second proposal involves a retailer whose identity has not yet been released.
“I don’t think it will be long before you see that entire frontage from the roundabout at Faultless Drive to Wells Road full of business,” Miller said.
Frontier Building Renovations Continue
Renovations are continuing at the downtown Frontier Building on Main Street, next to Huntington Bank and near the former Price Store, which now houses Whitmore Motors.
The building is owned by Dr. Matt Bernhard, who has been working with his family to restore the property.
Miller said a grant of approximately $3.5 million was secured to help remove hazardous materials and clean up the building, which had fallen into poor condition.
“That building, of course, is owned by Dr. Matt Burnernhard, and we actually got a grant to remove that building,” Miller said. “A lot of people are asking what are you going to do in that spot?”
The interior has largely been cleared, and Miller said the owner has ideas for its future use. Those plans, however, are not yet ready to be announced.
Street Improvements Underway
Ashland’s annual street improvement program is also moving forward, with work planned along approximately 50 city streets.
Miller explained that some residents were confused after seeing crews return to streets that had recently been resurfaced. Those roads are not being repaved again. Instead, crews are applying a protective treatment intended to extend the pavement’s life.
The process involves applying a sealant, covering it with a layer of sand and later sweeping away the excess material.
According to Miller, the treatment could add five years or more to the useful life of a street.
Miller said. “The treatment gives the road a fresher appearance while helping the city protect its investment in recently completed paving projects.”
From a long-awaited Chick-fil-A to potential industrial and retail development, Miller said Ashland continues to experience growth in several areas.
While some projects remain years away or are still being negotiated, the mayor said the city is continuing its efforts to attract new businesses, redevelop older properties and maintain Ashland’s infrastructure.
