13 Things Chick-fil-A Doesn’t Want You to Know About
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Chick-fil-A is a beloved fast-food chain famous for its chicken sandwiches and exceptional customer service. The restaurant, opened by Truett Cathy, began in 1946 as Dwarf Grill. An American Customer Satisfaction Index survey placed Chick-fil-A in first place with a score of 85%, marking the ninth consecutive year Chick-fil-A topped the rankings list among favorite fast-food chains in 2023.
It has over 3059 locations across the United States as of January 2024, proudly serving more than 10 million customers each day. Chick-fil-A often finds itself in the spotlight for its delicious offerings and its unique brand of Southern hospitality. Read on to discover fun facts and lesser-known aspects of Chick-fil-A that may change how you view your next meal.
The Secret Menu
Many believe Chick-fil-A’s menu is solely centered around the classic chicken sandwich, but it’s time to reconsider. The chain boasts a secret menu that’s a treasure hunt for the adventurous eater. The thrill of discovering secret menu items makes the fast food feel like an exclusive club. There is a “secret menu” with a world of off-the-menu items.
You can indulge in the “Chicken Quesadilla,” a delightful mix of grilled chicken, cheese, and spices, all wrapped in a tortilla. The “Spicy Chicken Sliders” is a perfect bite-sized option for those who crave a kick and many more. Politely ask a friendly staff member, and they will make your secret menu dreams come true.
“Closed on Sundays” Policy
Chick-fil-A famously stays closed on Sundays, much to the disappointment of its fans. Most fast-food chains are open all week long, but Chick-fil-A made a bold move by choosing to close on Sundays. This decision is rooted in founder Truett Cathy’s deep religious beliefs. He viewed Sundays as a day of rest and worship, giving his employees the day off to spend time with their families or attend church.
The “Closed on Sundays” policy has been part of Chick-fil-A’s culture since its founding in 1946 and continues to be a defining aspect of the brand. This policy is a rare stance in the fast-food industry, arguably making the brand even more iconic. Staying closed on Sundays saves money on labor costs and makes Chick-fil-A stand out from the competition as a company that values its employees’ well-being.
The Secret Ingredient
What sets Chick-fil-A apart from its competitors isn’t just their iconic chicken sandwiches, but a closely guarded “secret ingredient” that enhances their flavor profile. “We pride ourselves on using high-quality ingredients that you can trust,” said a company spokesperson in an interview with Business Insider. Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches are known for their juicy and flavorful taste, but what’s the secret?
Former employees report that it’s all in the pickles. Those tangy dill pickles are the key ingredient that gives Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwiches their signature flavor. The chain even has a strict policy for how many pickle slices should be added to each sandwich. Next time you savor that mouth-watering sandwich, know it’s all in the pickles.
Special Sauce
Chick-fil-A’s special sauce is a mouthwatering blend that takes the chain’s offerings to a whole new level and has quite the fan following. The “Chick-fil-A Sauce” is a creamy blend of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and honey mustard, with a hint of smokiness. This creamy, tangy sauce is a culinary secret weapon that elevates everything from nuggets to fries. Most Chick-fil-A customers can’t resist adding the special sauce to their orders.
The sauce has been praised by food bloggers and enthusiasts alike for perfectly complementing the iconic chicken. It’s so popular that customers have even started selling it online for those who want to recreate the taste at home. This sauce adds an extra kick of flavor to your meal and is a must-try for any Chick-fil-A fan.
Free Refills
Most fast-food restaurants charge for refills, but not Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A values its customers’ satisfaction and wants them to enjoy as many beverages as they want with their meals. You can enjoy unlimited refills on your drinks at any Chick-fil-A location. This may not apply to specialty drinks, but they give free refills on all of their regular drinks, such as soda, tea, and lemonade, when you get a dine-in meal.
This generosity is another example of the company’s commitment to excellent customer service. Enjoy that second (or third) glass of delicious lemonade without worrying about paying extra.
“My Pleasure” Phrase
When you thank a Chick-fil-A employee for your meal, they almost always say, “My pleasure.” This unique aspect of the chain’s culture sets them apart from other fast-food restaurants. The phrase was inspired by founder Truett Cathy’s visit to Ritz-Carlton, where he heard employees using “my pleasure” to respond to customer requests.
Chick-fil-A has adopted this practice and made it their own, emphasizing their focus on excellent customer service and making customers feel valued. This small gesture has become a trademark of the chain and is one that customers appreciate and remember long after their meal.
Special Events
Chick-fil-A is no stranger to hosting special events that enhance community engagement and celebrate its loyal customers. One of its most notable initiatives is the annual “Cow Appreciation Day,” where customers can receive a free meal by dressing up as cows. This event has seen participation from over 1 million guests annually and has helped raise over $200,000 for local charities.
Every year, the chain hosts a “Daddy Daughter Date Night,” where fathers can bring their daughters for a special evening of food, activities, and bonding. Chick-fil-A also hosts community spirit nights, where a portion of the sales supports local schools and organizations. Such initiatives highlight the brand’s dedication to being more than just a fast-food chain; they aim to create lasting connections with their customers and give back to their neighborhoods.
Free Meals
Chick-fil-A became famous for its campouts, where the first 100 customers at a new store opening received free meals for an entire year. These events would draw crowds of enthusiastic fans who lined up days in advance to secure their spot. This tradition started in 2003 but was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic. It has also been adopted by other fast-food chains looking to generate hype around new store openings.
The Chick-fil-A One app also rewards frequent customers. With every purchase, customers can earn points and redeem them for rewards such as free food items or discounts on future purchases. This loyalty program has been well-received by customers and adds another layer of value to dining at Chick-fil-A.
Frosted beverages
Chick-fil-A offers a wide range of delicious, frosted beverages perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Any drink can be transformed into a frosted beverage by blending it with Chick-fil-A’s creamy IceDream, creating an irresistible combination. The most famous of these is the “Lemonade Frosted,” which has been described as tasting like a frozen version of their famous lemonade.
Other notable flavors include the “Peach,” made with real peaches and their signature Icedream, and the seasonal favorite “Peppermint Chip,” featuring peppermint syrup, chocolate chips, and crushed peppermints. These refreshing drinks have become fan favorites and add to Chick-fil-A’s appeal as a go-to spot for satisfying cravings.
Healthier Options
While Chick-fil-A is known for its tasty chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, the chain also offers different healthier options for those looking to make more mindful food choices. Their menu includes salads, grilled chicken wraps, and fruit cups. They also offer grilled nuggets as an alternative to their classic breaded nuggets. Chick-fil-A has made efforts to reduce sodium in its menu items.
They source their chicken from suppliers who meet rigorous welfare standards and aim to serve chicken with no added hormones or steroids. They have pledged to serve only antibiotic-free chicken across all locations. These initiatives showcase the brand’s commitment to providing quality food options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
Chick-fil-A Uses Peanut Oil
One of the standout aspects of Chick-fil-A’s cooking process is their choice of oil: peanut oil. Chick-fil-A is the biggest buyer of peanut oil in the U.S., which is used to pressure cook all of its chicken. This enhances the flavor of their signature chicken and has notable health benefits. The American Heart Association reported that peanut oil is a heart-healthy option, containing monounsaturated fats that can potentially lower bad cholesterol levels.
Chick-fil-A has maintained this tradition since its launch. Founder Truett Cathy believed that using peanut oil imparted an incredible taste to each chicken sandwich. Chick-fil-A has reported using 100% refined peanut oil for cooking, which extracts harmful proteins, making it safe for most people with peanut allergies.
The Original Chicken Sandwich
Truett Cathy invented the original chicken sandwich in 1964. This was a game-changer for the fast-food industry, offering a new alternative to the traditional hamburger. The Sandwich has been capturing taste buds and reigns supreme in the fast-food landscape. Many people choose Chick-fil-A’s chicken sandwich as their first choice when looking for a quick meal option.
Founder Truett Cathy famously said, “Food is essential to life; therefore, make it good.” This philosophy has resonated with fans nationwide, as the iconic sandwich remains a staple on the menu. The combination of a perfectly seasoned breaded chicken breast served on a toasted buttered bun with pickle slices creates an irresistible experience that keeps customers returning for more.
Controversies and Public Relations Challenges
No brand is without its controversies, and Chick-fil-A has had its share. Chick-fil-A has faced some controversies and public relations challenges in the past. The company came under fire for its perceived stance against same-sex marriage in 2012. This sparked boycotts and protests against the chain and led to negative media coverage. The fast-food restaurant has also been criticized for its donations to organizations that have anti-LGBTQ+ stances.
Chick-fil-A has taken steps to be more inclusive and has made efforts to improve its image among the LGBTQ+ community. It has stopped donating to certain groups and released a statement affirming that it does not discriminate against any individual or group based on sexual orientation. It has also attempted to shift focus towards more inclusive community initiatives.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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