After announcing Raider Row and a new Chick-Fil-A on Wright State's campus, construction was not complete by the expected time. Here is why.
On April 28, right before final exams, Wright State sent out a mass email to all students and faculty, expressing excitement over the new Chick-fil-A. The excitement among students rose over a new food option within walking distance of classes and dorms.
Wright State Communications described why they went forward with Raider Row in an email.
"Enhancing the campus experience for our students and community is a central part of our planning efforts," the email states. "It not only gives us a competitive edge in recruitment and retention but also supports student success and well-being."
Wright State hopes to "make daily campus life more efficient."
When the email was sent out, the anticipated opening date was "targeted for the start of Fall 2026."
As students congregated on campus at the start of the semester, it was quickly noted that there was no Chick-fil-A. After several requests for information, Sarah Umbdenstock with the Office of Marketing was able to answer some of the Wright State Guardian's questions.
While the construction started at the end of the Spring 2026 semester, new plans expect an opening in the "first quarter of 2027," Umbdenstock wrote.
Due to "unforeseen poor soil conditions," the construction halted. The soil conditions were only revealed once the existing asphalt was broken into and therefore was unable to be factored into construction plans prior.
Additional questions revealed that Raider Row is fully privately funded by Woodward Development.
According to Umbdenstock, Woodward Development stated that "the team is actively working with companies to plan the next phase of construction." There are currently no finalized construction plans for the winter.
Students hope for the construction to be completed by the new date, as the cold gets closers, many students do not want to walk far for their meals.
