Chick-fil-A, first of thy name. Founded in Atlanta in 1967, for 57 years you have been known for two things: excellent customer service and consistent food.
Often imitated, other restaurants couldn’t hold a candle to you. Unlike most fast food establishments, at Chick-fil-A the employees were nice as if their check depended on it, patient, happy to dispense napkins and condiments with a nod and a smile, and lines didn’t mean much: you were going to get your food QUICKLY.
No matter the location, the food would be consistent. The lemonade sweet yet crisp, the fries, if not hot, then warmer than any other fast food joint, the chicken hitting just the right note. Georgia, Florida, Virginia, California. It didn’t matter where you were – if Chick-fil-A was there, you knew what you were getting. Comfort food at its best. Monday through Saturday, you could count on Chick-fil-A.
Over the past couple of years however, might have Truett Cathy (founder) spinning in his grave. I didn’t pay any attention at first, and looking back, it started with the waffle fries Chick-fil-A is known for: I got cold fries. To anyone who frequents fast food places on a regular basis, you know it happens sometimes. But not at Chick-fil-A!
I dismissed it, every one is entitled to an off day. I tried again, different times, different locations. I even got cold AND rubbery fries one time, the warming lamp seemingly bypassed altogether. Speaking of warming lamps, hot yet nasty fries are common in other establishments, products of a rush unfulfilled, improper planning, or just someone not paying attention. But never Chick-fil-A. Sadly, I don’t remember the last time I had hot fries at Chick-fil-A. The lemonade (across several locations) is so full of pulp I broke out my strainer one time just so I could drink it. A couple others have just been poured down the sink; I hardly want to ever chew on a drink.
Now before you think I’ve just had some one-offs, let me tell you I spend way more money than one should at Chick-fil-A. (Consistent, quick, hot.) Their membership program has tiers, and I’ve consistently been a Chick-fil-A red member ($372.73 and $872.73 annual spending. I even hit signature status one year, and without any catering orders, that’s alarming. Mind you, this was before COVID and when everything cost at least an arm and half a leg. Even now, my app tells me I only need 285 more points this year to make silver status. It’s June.
At nearly $10 (in my area) for the basic chicken sandwich meal, it is way too expensive for disappointment: fries you probably can’t eat and a potentially soggy bun that no longer live up to the Chick-fil-A experience.