The crispy chicken sandwich, the customer service, even the funny cow mascot—Chick-fil-A is one of the most widely loved fast food chains of all time, as well as a popular destination for students to seek job opportunities.
But why? What makes students flock to the parking lot of the restaurant before and after school? What makes the line wrap around the building more often than not? What makes teens line up for a job there just as easily? Why is Chick-fil-A held superior to all other fast food restaurants?
A big part of the restaurant’s popularity may come from the reputation of having outstanding customer service. Junior Asher Janowitz, an employee at Chick-fil-A, says the company places heavy emphasis on how employees treat customers.
“The managers strive to create a good environment for customers and that is always our number one goal,” Janowitz said. “We are always called to be respectful as workers, making eye contact and always saying ‘my pleasure.’”
“Dining at Chick-fil-A feels different from any other fast food place because we make it our mission to make all of our guests feel welcome and like a family,” Chick-fil-A employee junior Kaylin Frazier said. “We constantly check in on our guests to make sure they are happy with our service, and they have everything they need, never letting them throw away trash or get up to refill their beverage; we make it feel as if you are a guest in our house.”
Customers have noticed how respectful and polite the service is as well, and this is a factor of the restaurant’s attraction. Junior Jessica Johnson reports going to Chick-fil-A three times a week on average.
“Everyone at Chick-fil-A is so sweet and respectful even when they’re busy…the service is amazing,” Johnson said. “Between workers going from table to table checking up and making sure no refills are needed, to getting your food at your table instead of having to pick it up.”
The company also seems to work hard to create a positive environment for employees. Janowitz describes his experience as overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve learned so much from being around new people and learning from adults,” Janowitz said. “The team is awesome… they always put so much effort into making us feel seen and valued as employees.”
Chick-fil-A also allows for a more flexible work schedule, especially for students. Student employees report that the management is considerate of the fact that students have a life outside of work and leaves time for other plans or commitments. In order to achieve this goal of making life easier for employees, switching up the work schedule or requesting time off is made relatively easy.
Of course, customer service alone would not make the restaurant so popular if the food did not measure up. The way the restaurant prepares its food makes a noticeable difference in quality and also stands out from most.
“I tend to go to Chick-fil-A more than any other restaurants; it’s the only fast food place that doesn’t make me feel gross…it is actually good quality unlike most fast food,” Johnson said.
The chicken served at Chick-fil-A is breaded in-house and immediately served. Most fast food chains do not offer the same quality, with most meals being frozen and prepared beforehand.
For customers, the quality and consistency of the food keeps them coming back. Frazier claims that Chick-fil-A has been her favorite fast-food restaurant since long before she became an employee.
“I don’t think I could ever get sick or tired of the food,” Frazier said.
And for those who do not want to order a chicken sandwich meal every time, menu variety also contributes to the restaurant’s appeal. From classic tenders and chicken sandwiches to waffle fries, mac and cheese and specialty sauces that many adore, customers say there is always something they enjoy ordering. Some even develop regular orders they return to each visit.
“I usually get a number four, three-count[chicken]strips with a Sweet Tea, but I would honestly recommend anything on the menu. Sometimes I switch out my fry for a medium mac ‘n cheese,” Frazier said.
Another factor that draws students in is the sense of familiarity the restaurant has built within the community. For many students, Chick-fil-A is not just somewhere to grab a quick meal, but also a place to meet friends, study after school, or relax after a long day. The atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming, as well as decorated cutely to create a home-y feel to the dining experience.
Overall, Chick-fil-A is a fan favorite for a multitude of different reasons. The food taste, quality, customer service, variety and atmosphere are all factors that make the fast-food chain stand out among the rest.
“Eating at Chick-fil-A feels different than other restaurants because there are many nice workers there, and the vibe feels very lively,” junior Abigail Baker said. “I would say that it is a great place to eat at because of the overall atmosphere and great food that they serve.”
