The Secret To Chick-fil-a: Why Business Is Always Boomin'

   You're 6 years old as your soccer game nears its end, and as you pick grass instead of playing goalie you realize the real magic is about to begin. Yes, you get into your Mom's van and its team dinner at the one the only--Chick-fil-A. Life just moves different there, you're bound to meet your soul-mate in the playground or find one at the bottom of your ice-dream cone. All to find out one day, you're an adult and the magic never faded. Your daily dopamine rush is hearing the employees say "my pleasure" and the line moves like the butter on your sandwich bun. Years have passed and yet Chick-fil-A, despite all the controversy (we'll get into that later), has somehow remained king of all fast food. So while they might be having a sauce shortage, there is certainly no shortage in their sauce. Now, just what is their secret?

Why is Chick-fil-A always busy? Here are three reasons:

1. Over-the-Top Customer Service

   What you might have caught on to but didn't actually realize the full effect of is Chick-fil-A's employee's golden "my pleasure". Yes, it's a requirement for every employee to respond with this phrase rather than a simple "you're welcome". This slight switch holds the idea of absolute servitude, not only are they helping you but it is their pleasure to do so. Naturally, customers are feeling pretty great after. Me included. Add a drive-thru line that flies by and your order coming out correct, and you've had an almost seamless experience. This type of experience is not easily achieved, as one might expect, Chick-fil-A is highly regulated. Almost to military standard; not only is it well-staffed to ensure efficiency, but employees are not allowed to have anything to throw anyone off guard. No beards. No dyed hair. No multi-color nails. And most definitely, no attitude. Smile and wave boys. 

2. Marketing Genius

   To add to the almost perfect customer service, we have to give props to the restaurant's marketing. While I would go into depth about color psychology or their long-term growth marketing strategy, I say let's focus on the important stuff. I mean there's a whole cow mascot, who sometimes pops up at the restaurant like a celebrity. Then there's the tagline "Eat Mor Chikin" geniously misspelled and written like a 4-year-old. And of course, the fact they're closed on a Sunday--the only day you like need need it. So what do these all have in common? Good old-fashioned Christian values. For starters, there are kiddie sizes for all the items, catering for family events, and a playground to dually keep the kids busy and the parents happy. Something for everyone. Again, there's the idea of righteousness. With the cow mascot inviting customers (with simple enough spelling for even the kids to get) to eat more chicken, we feel better. As if though by eating one animal, we are saving another. And lastly, Chick-fil-A is known for treating its employees and giving hefty donations to charity. So again, customers are left feeling not just good at this point but like good people. Pretty effective if you ask me.

3. High-Quality Low-Price 

   Ultimately, let's admit it, it's the food. After eating plant-based for 6 years, I have finally let one item back into my life and it is a number one--hold the deluxe, add the Chick-fil-A sauce. Their famous tagline "we didn't invent chicken just the chicken sandwich" might be just talk but they definitely mastered it. While most food chains have a stand-out item, Chick-fil-A does not end there. They are equally celebrated for their original sauces, waffle fries, breakfast items and their addicting lemonade and sweet teas. And I am sure that list could continue. Having fan favorites across the entire menu, now that's something they definitely invented. And this is actually fact. In Company Man's viral video, he displays trend data which shows Chick-fil-A having top sales per location and beating out every other fast-food chain by billions. Despite having fewer franchises, being open fewer hours, AND being closed a full day every week. So yes, money talks. 

   I know, with all this talk, it sounds like I am sponsored by Chick-fil-A. Which I am most definitely not. And considering their track of anti-gay, I don't know if I'd want to be. Every business has its fall-backs, but with homophobia, I'd say Chick-fil-A falls hard. Silent disapproval is one thing, but donating millions to organizations that are anti-LGBTQ is a pretty loud push back against an entire community of people. Politics aside, I don't think any agenda that pushes changing those who are different than you is an admirable one. Nevertheless, from a strictly business viewpoint, Chick-fil-A is a powerhouse. Even across retail and other services, it's hard to come by any place as popping as Chick-fil-A.