What measures have Chick-fil-A restaurants taken to help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
All franchised Chick-fil-A restaurant Operators and Team Members have increased handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting procedures. As some areas reopen and conditions evolve, you may see some of our restaurants open their dining rooms and other safety practices change. Our commitment to serving our Guests safely remains constant and Operators are equipped and empowered to make decisions that best serve the unique needs of their communities in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Chick-fil-A, Inc. will continue working with research experts, other industry partners, and our internal innovation teams to adjust restaurant operating requirements in an effort to minimize any potential risk of spreading illness.
Here are some of the steps we’re taking to help protect our Guests and Team Members:
- All Team Members are required to complete a health screening prior to each shift.
- Thermometers have been made available to restaurants so that Operators may choose to check Team Member temperatures when starting their shift.
- Restaurant Team Members have been instructed to wash their hands frequently. Some restaurants have equipped outdoor handwashing stations for even easier Team Member access.
- All delivery meals are required to be sealed with delivery stickers to ensure they have not been opened since being prepared and packaged.
- Restaurants utilize three different cleaners that are on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of disinfectant products for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Team Members use these products to clean and disinfect surfaces in restaurants throughout the day, with greater frequency at high touchpoints, like credit card readers, point-of-sale systems and more. Chick-fil-A has sent guidance to all its vendors and delivery partners who regularly make stops at our restaurants advising them on our enhanced protocols to help protect our restaurants and communities.
Are Chick-fil-A restaurants reopening in states that allow it?
As guidance from government officials continues to evolve and states have eased restrictions on local businesses, you may see some of our restaurants open their dining rooms. Guests may notice any of the following changes inside our restaurants as they reopen their doors.
- Front counter plexiglass shields will be installed to make it easier to maintain distance between Team Members and Guests. Some restaurants may also install a plexiglass shield in the drive-thru window.
- Hand sanitizer stations for Guests will be placed inside the doors of restaurant dining rooms.
- While all meals will be complete with condiments and utensils in your bag, some restaurants will have condiment stations available if guests would like more condiments than what will be provided with their meal.
- High touch surfaces with be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Are Chick-fil-A Team Members wearing face coverings?
Where state and local regulations allow, face coverings inside the restaurant are now optional for fully vaccinated Team Members. Additionally, based on recent findings that the rate of outdoor transmission is low, all Team Members have the option to work without a face covering outdoors. Team Members will continue to complete mandatory health screenings before each shift, along with frequent handwashing, and will keep a face covering on hand at all times should a customer express discomfort.
Are playgrounds open?
As we safely begin reopening restaurants for full dining, some playgrounds may reopen as well. Each restaurant is individually owned and operated, so timing of playground reopening will vary and is at local Operator discretion. Once precautions and operations are in place to help protect Guests and their families, playgrounds may reopen inside restaurants.
What is Chick-fil-A doing to encourage social distancing in restaurants?
As some restaurants move towards restoring full service, social distancing practices may vary or be lifted in accordance with local restrictions. All restaurants are still taking precautions to help serve you safely.
How is Chick-fil-A working to help ensure that food is protected and not exposed to potential germs?
While the FDA and CDC have confirmed that there is no evidence that food is associated with spreading the virus that causes COVID-19, we are evaluating every aspect of our business to ensure we are taking appropriate food safety measures during the pandemic, including the way we package your meals.
We are continuing to execute contactless meal ordering and payment options through the Chick-fil-A App.
How is Chick-fil-A working to help make sure Restaurant employees are healthy when working?
Our local restaurant Operators are following CDC guidance on how and when to exclude Team Members that are diagnosed, sick or exposed. Operators are asking their Team Members to monitor for symptoms, and anyone who displays symptoms is asked to stay home. We are also making thermometers available to our Operators for Team Members to be able to check their temperature before entering the restaurant.
How is Chick-fil-A supporting Team Members who are out sick related to COVID-19?
Our Operators and their Team Members are the heartbeat of Chick-fil-A and we want to assist them, how we can, in this season. The majority of our restaurants are operated by local, independent, small business owners that care deeply for their Team Members and their communities. To give them the financial flexibility to make the best decisions to care for their people, Chick-fil-A has put in place a comprehensive plan to help offset financial hardship to their businesses related to the current crisis. Currently, Chick-fil-A, Inc.-owned-and-operated restaurants are providing paid sick leave for Team Members who have a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Is Chick-fil-A giving back to those who have been affected by COVID-19?
Chick-fil-A is committed to giving back to the communities in which we serve at both the corporate and local level. You can read more about how we are giving to those impacted by COVID-19 here.
At the corporate level, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated nearly 36,000 meals to school systems, healthcare workers and others on the front lines, or individuals and groups considered at risk since March 2020. Additionally, for every new restaurant opened, we continue to donate to local food banks through our partnership with Feeding America.
In 2020, Chick-fil-A also encouraged local restaurants, Team Members, and Guests to contribute to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund. More than 4,7000 donations were made through our Chick-fil-A App and on Feeding America's dedicated Chick-fil-A page, raising over $134,000 to fight hunger.
How do I place an order on my app to do curbside pick-up?
At most Chick-fil-A restaurants, including many mall locations, Guests can pick up their meals using our curbside option.
Guests will choose their desired location, click “mobile order” and select “curbside” if available to place their orders. After entering their order, preferred payment method, and arriving at the restaurant Guests will follow signs for curbside parking and click “I’m here.” Their food will be delivered to the car. Please check online or on the Chick-fil-A App for your local restaurant’s current service offerings.
How do I place an order on my app to pick up in the drive-thru?
Guests will choose their desired location, click “mobile order” and select “drive-thru” to place their orders for pick-up through the drive-thru. After entering their order and preferred payment method, Guests will drive to the restaurant and enter the drive-thru line. The Guest will then alert a Team Member, either in-person or through the speaker box, that they have already placed their order. Their order will be served to them in the drive-thru line or at the drive-thru window.
How do I place a delivery order?
Chick-fil-A restaurants may offer a variety of different delivery options, including Chick-fil-A Team Member Delivery or delivery through our national delivery partners, DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. Delivery options vary by location. Customers are encouraged to ask their local restaurant or visit chick-fil-a.com/delivery to see what options are available in their area.
What extra precautions are being taken for my Chick-fil-A delivery orders?
We are taking extra precautions in our restaurants and with our delivery orders, including:
- We have instituted procedures with our delivery partners to minimize contact. All third-party and Team Member Delivery meals are required to be sealed with delivery stickers to ensure they have not been opened since prepared and packaged.
- “Leave at the front door” is a delivery option across all platforms intended to help limit person-to-person contact.
Is Chick-fil-A concerned about a chicken supply shortage due to processing facilities closing down?
While there has been news coverage of a potential chicken supply shortage in the U.S., we are confident in the strength and availability of our Chick-fil-A chicken supply. We are actively working with our trusted suppliers to ensure we can continue serving whole, boneless breasts of chicken in accordance with our rigorous animal wellbeing standards.
