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Fans of Chick-fil-A should thank Papillion Mayor David Black.

Papillion will be home to Nebraska's first full-service, stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant this summer because of Black's quick thinking and the case he made for the city.

As soon as Papillion officials heard last summer that the Atlanta-based chicken sandwich chain was coming to the Omaha area, "we hit it hard," Black said.

"I contacted them a number of ways," he said. "I don't even think they knew where or what Papillion was."

So he made sure they did, mailing them information, making phone calls and sending emails.

The mayor had city brochures, fact sheets and other materials put together in hopes of wooing the company to the city of nearly 19,000.

"We wanted to show them why Papillion is unique and get the information in front of them to raise awareness," he said.

Black highlighted the city's "low property taxes, solid population growth and the quality of life."

And Chick-fil-A officials apparently liked what they learned.

The city's planning department and engineers are currently working with the company on the Papillion restaurant's building details. As reported last month, Chick-fil-A will construct a 4,569-square-foot building at 8710 S. 71st Plaza, just north of Panda Express, at the Shoppes at Market Pointe, a shopping center anchored by Kohl's, Walmart and Lowe's.

The plans specify the dining area of 1,184 square feet will be able to seat 144 people, in addition to outside seating for 20.

The company's goal is for the restaurant to be open in about five months, but Black said the city can move much quicker if the company wanted it to open earlier.

An official with Chick-fil-A said the company had not selected an operator of the Papillion location yet, so it was not immediately known if it would be a franchise. The company did not respond to questions about more details.

The Papillion store would be the area's second, joining a Chick-fil-A Express inside the Mutual of Omaha Bank building at 33rd and Farnam Streets in midtown Omaha that has proved to be a hit, often drawing long lines over the lunch hour.

Black said he's excited to welcome the popular chain, especially since he knows of a few Papillion residents who used to drive to Sioux City, Iowa, just to get their Chick-fil-A fix. The area, because of the proximity to Offutt Air Force Base, has many well-traveled residents familiar with the chain.

"It intrigues me that of all the national restaurant brands ... Chick-fil-A probably has the largest following that I'm aware of," he said. "This was one of the top restaurants residents have been asking for."

But don't let the mayor fool you. He's somewhat of a fan, too, having enjoyed Chick-fil-A fare a few times in Atlanta while traveling on business.

Black is also eager to see how Chick-fil-A will benefit other businesses and the community.

"People that work in downtown Omaha will now drive to Papillion just for lunch," he said. "This means more economic development opportunities. They will come to eat, but maybe they will shop here or go to a cultural event here. ... They might even think about buying a house here."

Contact the writer: 402-444-1336, leia.mendoza@owh.com, twitter.com/LeiaMendoza