Chick-fil-A Could Be Coming to Service Plazas on the Maine Turnpike

If you've visited any of the service plazas along the Maine Turnpike in the last couple of decades, you know that not a lot has changed in that span of time. There's been some small upgrades but for the most part, what you see is what you've been getting for a long time.

According to the Portland Press Herald, a new turnpike executive director believes it's time for a change. Specifically, what is offered at Maine's busiest service plazas on the turnpike from shops to restaurants and more.

Maine Turnpike Wants to Add New Restaurants to Service Plazas

As stated in the Portland Press Herald article, the Maine Turnpike has entered into negotiations to bring some new restaurants into service plazas. That would include additional locations for Chick-fil-A as well as the potential for Maine's first Shake Shack locations.

The process will take time and there won't be any restaurant changes in 2025 nor 2026. But if negotiations go well, service plazas in Kennebunk as well as other locations would likely see the new restaurants and other upgrades starting in 2027.

Service Plazas Would Also See New Shops, Restrooms and Outdoor Areas

You might find much argument from visitors to service plazas on the Maine Turnpike that the restrooms could use an upgrade. As part of the service plaza overhaul, renovated bathrooms would be a priority.

The service plazas would also receive a couple new additions. An indoor and outdoor play area for children is something visitors would like to see. Especially ones on long road trips with kids that need to get their energy out.

Each plaza would likely see at least one Maine-made gift shop additional as well.

The Fate of the Current Restaurants at Service Plazas is Unknown

For the better part of four decades, Burger King has been a mainstay at service plazas throughout Maine. If the plan to welcome new restaurants into service plazas comes to fruition, it's unclear where that leaves the fast food giant.

The same could be said for Sbarro and Popeye's which also currently reside in various service plazas on the turnpike corridor.