I love Chick-Fil-A.  I was first introduced to the trademark sandwich years ago at Prom Market in Atlanta.  As a buyer you spend long hours in showrooms and grab whatever you can between appointments, not always a healthy way to eat.  I was offered my first Chick-fil-A (breaded fried chicken breast, battered bun and 2 pickles), housed in a simple logo-ed wrapper, lukewarm and available.

I had never had one, nor had I ever heard of one, but I was famished.  One sandwich and I was a fan.   It was years before I had one again, but I was forever on the lookout for availability.   Finally the franchise grew and those delicious treasures were accessible.

Founded in 1946 there are now over 1850 restaurants.  The original restaurant The Dwarf Grill (renamed later the Dwarf House) was founded by S Truett Cathy who developed the pressure cooked chicken sandwich.  After 15 years in the fast food business, Cathy found a pressure fryer that could cook the chicken in the same amount of time it took to cook the fast food hamburger.  It was at that time in 1961 that he registered the name Chick-fil-A and the rest is history.  Now you can find the franchise  nationally, but at the time it was in limited markets.  The first Chick-Fil-A opened in the Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta in 1967.   Although mainly in the Southeast, the restaurants can be found all over the US, including its’ largest location which opened last October in Manhattan at 37th and 6th.  The company culture is based on the founder’s Southern Baptist beliefs.  Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sundays.  The corporate mission is to treat every person with honor, dignity, and respect.

Chick-fil-A has grown in popularity and is ranked 8th in a list of quick service restaurants in the US by QSR magazine.  The truly amazing fact about the ranking is that the chain has far fewer locations and is closed on Sundays.  A truly remarkable feat.

If you are a fast food junkie and “drive thru”, I must suggest that you park your car and go inside for an experience.   What you will find is “Southern Hospitality”,  a friendly staff keeping the tables clean, chatting with customers, refilling drinks, and making you feel at home.  Where do you find that anymore?

OK…you may be wondering why all of a sudden I am promoting Chick-fil-A.  I came across the following article.  Chick-fil-A is one of a very few fast food restaurants using and recycling polystyrene cups.  The cup has the superior ability to keep drinks cold.  Beyond that, Chick-fil-A recycles their cups and gives back to the community.  A must see.

From Beverage to Bench: Recycling Polystyrene

You drink. You toss. You leave. But have you ever wondered what really happens to your Chick-fil-A cup after you leave the restaurant?

So the next time you opt for good food fast, take a moment to locate Chick-fil-A.  It may take extra time, but it will be well worth the trip.

Plus…my grand girls tell me that their milkshakes are AMAZING.  There are few things that the 9 and 11 year old agree on, but this fact brings wide eyes and enthusiastic nods of agreement.  The fan favorite…cookies and cream!