People are passionate about their nuggs and tenders, which means the latest news that one of the most popular chicken joints in the country is opening a new location in Southern Minnesota is sure to excite chicken connoisseurs all around.

Recently, two other chicken chains announced their plans to expand in Minnesota.

Pollo Campero says they want to open 10 new locations around the land of 10,000 lakes, and Dave's Hot Chicken is on track to have four locations across the Twin Cities area.

And now we have news that a chicken giant with more than 3,000 stores across the country will be opening a new location in the heart of southern Minnesota.

That's right, Chick-Fil-A has plans to open a new full-size, off-campus location in Mankato.

JUST IN: Minnesota's Largest Candy Store Set to Move to a New Location

 Where is the New Chick-fil-A Opening in Mankato?

Chick-fil-A is no stranger to Mankato with an express version of the restaurant currently operating inside the Centennial Student Union at Minnesota State University Mankato.

new chick-fil-a mankato
Chick-fil-a at Minnesota State University Mankato
loading...

News broke this week that Chick-fil-A has plans to open a new full-size standalone restaurant in the River Hills Mall area of Mankato.

The plans reportedly show the new Chick-fil-A in Mankato will be located at 1870 Adams St. next to Olive Garden in the old Party City building.

new chick fil a opening mankato mn
Old Party City and proposed location of new Chick-Fil-A in Mankato
loading...

When is the New Chick-fil-A opening in Mankato?

Construction has not started yet, but the developers told Mankato Free Press the new Chick-fil-A location in Mankato will have a 62-space parking lot that “has been configured to maximize circulation and minimize backups on the adjacent access drives.”

RELATED: Minnesota Hot Spot Nominated For Best New Restaurant in U.S.

No opening date has been announced, but when it does open it will likely have the same M-Sat 6 AM to 10:30 PM hours most Chick-fil-A restaurants have.

Rending of new Chick Fil A location in Mankato
Rending of new Chick Fil A location in Mankato,MN (Credit: Chipman Design via Mankato Free Press)
loading...

The permit for this new Chick-fil-A location will reportedly include dual drive-thru lanes and a drive-thru door instead of window so employees can walk orders out to customers.

Most common fast food chains in Minnesota

Stacker compiled a list of the most common chain restaurants in Minnesota using data from the Friendly City Lab at Georgia Tech.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

More From Minnesota Now