Customers and Chick-fil-A team members in Western Branch celebrated the reopening of the 4204 Portsmouth Blvd. location early Thursday morning. The location had been closed for rebuilding on Jan. 12, then turned back over to owner and operator Sean Hess on May 31.

Hess described in a phone interview on Monday how excited both customers and team members were about the new building, its new features and simply being back under the same roof.

Members of his team were transferred to other local Chick-fil-A restaurants during the rebuild. According to a press release, nearly 55 team members have returned to the Chick-fil-A Portsmouth Boulevard location, plus 70 new members hired.

“Just us all being together as a big family again, that’s what everybody missed,” Hess said. “We’re back home now.”

The new building features vintage heritage interior design and the chain’s latest kitchen, dining room, and double drive-through innovations.

There are also larger tables in the dining room, as well as a large gathering table made from reclaimed wood and a custom light fixture made from recycled Coca-Cola bottles, according to the press release. Children can enjoy an updated, interactive indoor play area, and all customers can enjoy free Wi-Fi.

The drive-through features expanded face-to-face ordering, outdoor canopies and an additional lane, which enhances the chain’s award-winning drive-through service, the press release stated.

Hess has been the operator of the Chick-fil-A Portsmouth Boulevard restaurant since it first opened in 1997, and he, his wife Brittany and their five children have made deep connections in Chesapeake, as well as the nearby Suffolk community.

For example, the Christmas Parade at Chesapeake Square Mall that’s organized by Hess brings together hundreds of people each year to see dozens of festively decorated floats and other attractions.

“We just want to continue to be a big part of the community and a big part of their lives,” Hess said.

Visit facebook.com/ChickfilaPortsmouthBlvd for more information.