Updated: National Restaurant Chain Coming to Former KFC

Updated (Jan. 26): Mark Mueller, a leasing agent with Baltimore-based Sierra Mid-Atlantic, responded to Patch via email on Monday pertaining to the status of the former KFC location. There has been much speculation on what type of restaurant will be moving in, and it looks like we have to wait a little longer, according to Mueller.

"We can report that we have a signed a contingent lease with a company that is in the feasibility phase, where they investigate whether the site physically can work for them. They have about 90 days more to make a decision before they are bounded by the lease. So we are getting closer!" he wrote.

In the meantime, let's just keep guessing. Whoever guesses it correctly in the comment thread will receive a Patch tote bag and water bottle!

Updated (Jan. 3)—Many Severna Park Patch readers have asked about the status of the former KFC location on Ritchie Highway. According to the last report in , Mark Mueller, a leasing agent with Baltimore-based Sierra Mid-Atlantic, stated that a national restaurant chain was negotiating a lease on the property. A confidentiality agreement prohibited Mueller from specifying which restaurant will be moving to the location.

In response to an email on Friday, Mueller said they are "close to being able to say, but not yet" and suggested checking towards the end of the month. So, the guessing will have continue for a few more weeks.

In the meantime, share what you think would be a good fit for that location in the comments below.

(Original post) The Colonel left town back in June—Colonel Sanders that is—and his departure was posted on .

The founder of KFC vacated the premises at 511 Ritchie Highway in Severna Park and many Patch readers want to know what will be taking its place.

Severna Park Patch spoke with Mark Mueller, the leasing agent with Baltimore based Sierra Mid-Atlantic, on Tuesday and learned that a national restaurant chain is currently negotiating a lease on the property. Mueller said there is a confidentiality clause in the contract prohibiting him from disclosing which restaurant it is but said the negotiations should wrap up in about 30 days.

When asked if it was going to be a Chick-fil-A, he couldn't confirm either way.

"It is a well recognized national chain," he said. When asked if it is a fast-food chain, he responded with "fast casual."

The current building will not be used, which means before the start of construction, county permits will have to be acquired. If all goes well with the lease, Mueller sees it opening sometime mid-2012.

According to Mueller, there were about a dozen restaurants interested in that location.

"It was well received by prospects and we were approached by many restaurant chains," he said, adding that property like the former KFC in Severna Park is hard to come by for businesses.

Patch will keep you updated when more information becomes available on this property.