Updated with comments from Councilmember Alex Saab and Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco.

DOWNEY — Chick-fil-A has submitted plans to open a second restaurant in Downey.

The restaurant will be located at 8818 Imperial Hwy., which is located at the intersection of Imperial and Lakewood Boulevard.

According to its application, Chick-fil-A plans to remodel the existing 10,500 sq. ft. commercial shopping center and add a 4,000 sq. ft. drive-thru.

Tacos Baja, which sits at the intersection, will relocate and the structure will be demolished.

Construction of the Chick-fil-A is expected to be complete by December.

Councilmember Alex Saab expressed his appreciation to Chick-fil-A and said the new restaurant symbolizes the city’s emphasis on bringing jobs to south Downey.

“We appreciate the confidence Chick-fil-A has demonstrated in investing in our community a second restaurant,” said Saab. “The City of Downey has invested greatly over the years in planning for the expansion of the important Imperial [Highway] corridor and in south Downey. We will continue to work hard to create an environment to welcome businesses, expand services, and help create more jobs for our community.

“In addition to food service and retail jobs, we remain focused on expanding biotech and medical-related jobs as well.”

Mayor Pro Tem Blanca Pacheco represents District 1, which is where the Chick-fil-A will be located. She called news of the restaurant “wonderful” but cautioned that plans are still early in the development phase.

“It would be wonderful to get a second Chick-fil-A, especially in this area,” said Pacheco. “Residents will have more restaurant options, and this would also mean more development occurring along Imperial, which is one of the things I wanted to help my community with.”