We all love Chick-fil-A, but do you really know what goes on behind the scenes? Wonder no more, because we’ve gathered 10 insider secrets from this Reddit thread and other online communities that will make you see the fast food chain in a new light. Even better, you’ll find game-changing hacks for your next order. Let’s dive in!
10. There’s No Real “Secret Menu”
While there’s no official secret menu at Chick-fil-A that’s similar to that of McDonald’s, fans of the former have dreamed up unique, flavorful, and a bit crazy creations (looking at you, Chick-fil-A sandwich with fries and mac & cheese). Even employees recall doing some pretty fun stuff, including grilled nuggets quesadilla, which are basically nuggets with two tortillas and shredded cheese.
9. They Can Customize Anything
The lack of secret menu leads us to this best-kept secret: Chick-fil-A employees can customize anything. An employee shared that one of the strangest things he had to customize was half diet coke and half lemonade. As for customers, customizing is easier than ever via the app, using the tap-to-add and tap-to-remove features when ordering.
8. Mix and Match Milkshakes
To level up your dessert game at Chick-fil-A, employees advice that you try mixing milkshake flavors that you love. You can even take it to the next level by adding OREO bits to any milkshake that you’ll create. On the app, you can also try adding a chocolate syrup to your Cookies & Cream milkshake. Frosted coffee with OREO? Possible, too!
7. Get as Much Sauce as You Want
Employees shared on Reddit that there’s no limit to the number of sauce packets you could get with your meal. So, yes, you don’t need to ration your sauce. If you’re feeling shy to ask for a mountain of packets, you can always get a catering size tub of any sauce or Chick-fil-A sauces in large bottles in most grocery stores.
6. It is Really Their Pleasure
If you’re regular at Chick-fil-A, you’ve probably noticed that employees here don’t say “you’re welcome” when you say “thank you.” What you’ll often hear is “my pleasure,” which makes an impact on the customer experience. As one employee shared, it’s part of the “Core 4” or the basic expectations from the staff: share a smile, use a friendly tone, eye contact, and say “my pleasure.”
5. Score Free Breakfast Items
When Chick-fil-A employees transition from serving breakfast to lunch menu items, you might just get lucky and score some free breakfast items. In other locations, before 11 A.M., guests get asked if they would like a free Chick-fil-A biscuit, minis, or hashbrowns. Of course, availability may vary by location.
4. You Can Have Chick-fil-A on Sundays
Each location of the fast food chain is closed every Sunday, giving employees a full day of rest. So if you happen to be craving Chick-fil-A on a Sunday, you can always go for reheatable trays of nuggets or Chick-n-Strips. However, these trays are als0 available in the restaurant, so you might need to order ahead of time.
3. The Best Reward for Your Points
Wondering what the best reward you could get for your Chick-fil-A One points? It’s definitely not the Original Chicken Sandwich, according to an employee, because you can get this for free without the app (more on this later). It’s actually the fries in terms of cost-point ratio, and also because the waffle shape gives you more surface for dipping!
2. Get the Freshest Salad by Removing Items
Salads in Chick-fil-A are prepped daily, and some locations have two prepping times: 6 A.M. and 2 P.M., but salads don’t usually sit longer than 8 hours. If you ask for some items to be excluded (cheese or tomatoes), they would make a fresh salad for you right there and then. But if you ask for an extra of something, they’ll take a pre-prepped salad and build on that.
1. The Easiest Way to Get a Free Chicken Sandwich
As promised, here’s an easy way to get a free Chicken Sandwich. Got your receipt in-store? Don’t throw that away. Find the code at the bottom and this would take you to the satisfaction survey about your meal. Fill it out and you’ll receive a coupon for a free sandwich via email. If you have the app, this will be added to your account. The offer is valid within 48 hours after your purchase.