I'm Not Chicken To Say It......

I know I mostly mention things on this blog relating to how I think we are losing a lot of our America to foreign companies and lack of concern by our American businesses and even from our politicians. But once in a while I like to talk about something nice and uplifting. I usually do this by writing about a business that still makes things in our country and has no foreign connections. 

This post is one of those 'nice' ones and, I must admit, selfish on my part. I am raving about my favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A. (Heretofore referred to as 'CFA'.)  I almost said my favorite "fast food" restaurant but I think it deserves a better title like 'quick service'. And that's what it is, even at a lunch rush. Every CFA I've ever seen at lunch time is packed with cars around the building and numerous people inside in line. But, unlike other fast-food restaurants, they move the people through and get the orders out! I can tell you from personal experience that if the same amount of cars and people were at other food places (and you know which ones I mean) I would NOT get in line or go there. I've had my nightmare stories about those places.

I won't make you read a lot of details about the company but I'll just highlight a few things.  
The company actually started in 1946, when Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, The Dwarf Grill, in Hapeville, Georgia. He is credited with inventing Chick-fil-A's boneless breast of chicken sandwich. In the early 1960's he pioneered the establishment of restaurants in shopping malls with the opening of the first Chick-fil-A at a mall in suburban Atlanta in 1967. Since then, Chick-fil-A has steadily grown to become the second largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States, with over 1,500 locations in 39 states and Washington, D.C. (The 'first largest' chicken place is NOT for me. After getting a chicken breast that still had a heart beat 20 years ago, I've NEVER ate there again! He should have been busted down to Private!)

Now I'll tell you why I love the place so much: The food is great! It's that simple. I've never had a bad meal at any CFA across America! The other following reasons are icing on the cake: 

-The employees are the best I've ever seen at ANY restaurant. They always welcome you, they always take your order quickly and accurately, they are always neatly dressed and clean looking and the best of all,  they always thank you!

-The building is always clean on the outside and especially on the inside. There is always an employee, usually a manager, walking around with a towel and cleaning liquid, wiping tables, cleaning windows and doors and just picking up any customer left-over garbage. And I mean EVERY store. In every city and state that I've visited. The overall look of the building is pleasing and modern and blends in to the local architectural theme. No bright glowing arches here.

-I believe in the company ethics and love that they try and hire local students. They are very active in their local community with fund-raising, charities, providing college scholarships and their WinShape Foundation. (Read more about that online). 

- They are closed on Sunday. Every store. Period. 

I cannot say any of the above about any other fast-food place, including the Clown, the King or the Pretty Little Pig-tailed Girl....
Yes, I must admit that a lot of times when I get a craving for CFA, it seems to be a Sunday. So for a moment I'm disappointed that I won't be eating a piping hot CFA Spicy Chicken sandwich, but then I feel good knowing they are closed on Sunday allowing their employees to attend church or just be with their family. 

So there you have it. My rant about an American company that I love and that I love to eat! Yes, I can admit unabashedly that if someone from CFA happens to read this and wants to promote good will and reward kissing-up by sending me a few freebie coupons, who am I to complain? And if they don't? Not a problem, I'll always be a loyal customer and promoter of their company. 




On an unrelated note: I ran across an online business that has an interesting product. Not everyone will like their products or views but there is a market out there for them. I've added them to my 'Great Links'. Check it out at: Republican Posters.