BEST fast food experience I ever had. I give it five out of five waffle fries.
About 5:45 PM
Dinner time.
Rush Hour. On our way to church. 'Thought we'd grab a quick bite.
75% full
3 to 4 deep at counter
Line went fast.
Greeted with an enthusiastic smile.
Patient young man behind the counter while I ordered.
Now here's where the greatness began....
1.)
He didnt say "Here or to go?". He asked, "Will you be dining with us tonight or taking it with you?" Just that alone raised the bar.
2.)
After I ordered, I went over to the "bar" to get napkins, straws, ketchup, etc. (and ...oh yes...and wet-naps for cleaning hands after) A young man came over and gave our drinks to us. Enthusiastic smile. I said thank you. He replied "It's my pleasure sir"
"It's my pleasure" sounds so much better than "no prob"
3.)
Another clean cut young man brought the tray over to us and asked "Where will you be sitting with us tonight?" I said "Howabout that booth over there? as I pointed to where I wanted to be. He said "Great, I'll bring it over for you". He put it down and we sat and then he said "Can I get you anything else? Do you have everything you need?" I said yes, thank you. He replied, "'my pleasure... enjoy your meal and thanks for coming in to Chick-Fil-A".
4.)
A young lady left a purse behind in a booth. Another young man associate came over and took it and informed the manager. When she came back obviously panicked, the young man recognized her and immediately put her at peace by handing her the purse.
5.)
I asked to speak to the manager, which I'm sure puts most managers on edge. He came to me and I told him of my great experience. He asked which young man it was that impressed me. I replied "All of them". There were four young guys, all clean, neat, smiling, quick, efficient, and going beyond what was expected of them. I was treated like an outed mystery shopper or restaurant critic. Little did they know I would write about them four hours later.
I got better treatment at this Chick-Fil-A than I have in many world class restaurants. Food was great quality, fast, but not fast foody. You have to try this place if you are in the area. They raised the bar for all faster food restaurants and all Chick-Fil-A's.
I know the apple doesnt fall far from the management tree either.
The General Manager was Jim Kraut. Stop by and say hi to Jim!
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I am from Virginia and have found this to be typical of their stores. So nice to feel like somebody really appreciates your business. And their original chicken sandwich is my favorite of any quick service resto. P.S.-try their milkshakes sometime, well worth the caloric blast.
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Very refreshing to hear. I love Chik-Fil-A. Have only been to the Montgomery Mall and Quakertown locations, but will check out the Warrington one the next time I am down that way. After several recent experiences with Aramark at Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies game, I would say they need some lessons from the Chik-Fil-A team. The employees there are not motivated to move you thru the line fast in any way, shape or form. I stood in line for ice cream and a pretzel for 40 minutes. There were three people serving the ice cream as well as two taking the money. Several people waiting in line with me also commented on the incredibly slow service. We had the same experience while getting hot dogs and drinks before the game. The $5.00 hot dogs looked and tasted like they had been prepared hours earlier. The service was really slow and not friendly at all. All of the Aramark fast food locations at the Phillies ball park look dirty and unorganized. When you are paying ridiculous prices and just want to get back to your seats to watch the game this is unacceptable. No wonder so many people bring their own food and drinks along to the game. Thank goodness for places like Chik-Fil-A. Wouldn't it be great if they had locations at Citizens Park.
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Bacchus101
Aug 20, 2011 06:45 AM
Thanks for your observations and the "good news" that there still are places where a manager cares, where employees are respectful and polite and the food(fast as it is ) is even a cut (let)
above the flock. I have only eaten one Chick-Fill-A but I will now have at least one more just because of their good business practices. Seems that along with their religious beliefs comes
some principles on how to treat your customers (fellow man) which would be welcomed at
many other establishments fast or fancy! Great post, uplifting thanks! -
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re: FriedClamFanatic
paychecktoday
Aug 19, 2011 12:05 PM
The food there is very fresh, as all of my fry orders have been "to order" and are piping hot and crispy. Their chicken is pressure fried and is excellent. My wife has had their salads and I was told it was the best salad you could get that was fast and fresh.
I believe their fries are what sets them apart from all other places (even McDonald's before they changed their type of fryer oil). Their closest competition is Arby's, which also is suprisingly a pretty good fast food place too.
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Chick-Fil-A is in a fast food class all by itself. I go frequently and every time come away amazed at how well they do it. As a private company, without stockholders, they are able to do things as they think they should be done. Competitors should pay heed....... None of them even come close. Kudos C-F-A !
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arashall
Aug 18, 2011 12:36 PM
They also have lots of personal touches, based on owner/manager style. One near us has free little cups of cheerios for your baby, and baby wipes and a trashcan right beside the changing area, where you would need them.
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that is one of the things I love about Chik-fil-a - there's always someone circulating in the dining room, they offer to refill your sodas, get you napkins, whatever.
and the food ain't bad either. :)
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re: jujuthomas
Thanks for a neat descriptive post. I've seen their billboard ads on the road, but where are
they? Reliable and pleasant fast food is nothing to sneeze at. I'd like to give them a try.
(Disclosure: Popeye's is one of my guilty pleasures. Taste counts for a lot, even if it isn't
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re: Bashful3
The OP did not say where, but I can tell you that there is a Chick-Fil-A in the Neshaminy Mall as well as a location right next to the Neshaminy Mall in that shopping area by the Wal-Mart, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, etc.
There is one on Columbus blvd ( the main artery that runs along the east side of Center City), plus there are a few in the city (according to Google Maps). Plus many more in various parts of the 'burbs (other than the ones I previously mention in Southern Bucks Co)
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re: jujuthomas
There is one at the Montgomery Mall, and one on 611 in Warrington, just north of County Line road. In Philadelphia there is one on the Blvd.. I think north of Grant.
If you go to the Chick Fil A website they have a locator feature. Most of em seem to be in food courts at malls at least in this area
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re: cwdonald
crazyspice
Aug 18, 2011 07:44 AM
There is a new location on Cheltenham Avenue near the turn to 309. In his post he mentioned sitting in a booth. I haven't seen a booth in a food court.
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re: crazyspice
paychecktoday
Aug 18, 2011 08:41 AM
The one I frequent most is on Baltimore Pike in Springfield (the old Krispy Kreme). They are HANDS DOWN the best when it comes to customer service there. From everyone willing to help you out when it comes to taking your orders, as well as bringing your tray out to you, it is amazing. They even have little fresh little flowers in a vase on EACH TABLE for a sense of home-like feel in a chain restaurant.
I've seen advertisements within the store for special events like mommy-son/daddy-daughter nights where they do TABLE SERVICE (like it was a normal sit-down place) and have special menus for the night. Amazing!!!!
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re: cwdonald
Went to the Montgomery Mall one earlier in the week. It was about quarter of nine pmpm, and the mall closes at nine these days. The other places in the food court were cleaning up but there was (as always) a small line in front of the Chik. I spied something new on the menu, sweet potato waffle fries and ordered them. They were very very good. They took awhile and the young guy explained to me that there would be a little wait as they make them up fresh. Darn it! Now I want more sweet potato waffle fries!
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