Chick-Fil-A: Not your typical fast food experience

My family and I visited the local Chick-Fil-A last weekend. I thought the visit was to be your routine, expected fast food stop: noisy, smelly, unfriendly, and impersonal.

Within two minutes of walking through the Chick-Fil-A doors, however, I knew this was to be a different time.

The wait staff behind the counter seemed genuinely interested to see us and take our order on a partly-cloudy Sunday afternoon. I’ve been to many fast food joints where the wait staff is either half-asleep or angry at the world.

Upon completion of our order, I was told by a friendly young lady, “grab a seat; we will bring your food to your table.” Huh? Did I hear that right? A fast food place was bringing food to my table?

The place was buzzing on this Sunday afternoon. It looked like many others had the same idea. My family and I settled into a cozy booth next to the window and watched the many other families enjoying themselves.

Within a few minutes, the same friendly young lady (her name was Reagan) brought our food to the table. What service!! During the course of our meal, she returned to our table at least 4 times to check in and say, “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

After a thoroughly enjoyable meal, I thanked this young lady for her hospitality. She responded with a phrase you just don’t hear too much anymore: “My pleasure.” Talk about refreshing.

This lady and the rest of the Chick-Fil-A staff could have been chosen to be grumpy, rude, and distant. It was special to see that they had taken the opposite approach. They were thrilled to serve the many guests with a smile. Burger King, Wendy’s and McDonald’s beware; there’s a new sheriff in town that really puts people first.