What measures have Chick-fil-A restaurants taken to help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
Our restaurants comply with all federal, state and local regulations. All Chick-fil-A franchise Operators and Team Members have been instructed to follow or exceed CDC guidance for increased handwashing, cleaning and disinfectant procedures. Chick-fil-A, Inc. will continue working with research experts, other industry partners, and our internal innovation teams to adjust our operations 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:
- 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 Safe Service 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.
- We’ve made thermometers available to Team Members to be able to check their temperature before entering the restaurant.
- Restaurant Team Members have been instructed to wash their hands frequently. Some restaurants have equipped outdoor handwashing stations for even easier Team Member access.
- We’ve provided signage and floor decals to create walking paths through the restaurants for Guests, with marks every six feet to encourage social distancing. Because each restaurant is independently owned and operated and building design and operations vary restaurant-to-restaurant, these operations may look different at your local location.
- 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 disinfect surfaces in restaurants throughout the day, with greater frequency at high touchpoints, like tables, 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 ensure they are taking necessary precautions to protect our restaurants and communities.
Are Chick-fil-A restaurants reopening in states that allow it?
As guidance from the CDC and government officials continues to evolve and states have eased restrictions on local businesses, you may see some of our restaurants open their dining rooms. Although we are not opening dining room seating at full capacity just yet, Guests may notice the following changes inside our restaurants as they reopen their doors.
- Front counter plexiglass shields will be installed to make it easier to maintain six feet of distance between Team Members and Guests. Some restaurants may also install a plexiglass shield in the drive-thru window.
- Signage will provide a clear path for Guests to maintain social distancing guidelines while placing and picking up carry-out orders. Social distancing floor decals will be placed six feet apart along the walking path inside and outside of the restaurant building.
- Hand sanitizer stations for Guests will be placed inside the doors of restaurant dining rooms.
Are Chick-fil-A Team Members wearing face coverings?
Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members are required to wear face coverings inside the restaurant at all times. However, restaurant Team Members working outdoors, including in the drive-thru, are not required to wear face coverings, as the risk of spreading COVID-19 outdoors is greatly reduced. The decision to wear masks outside is at Operator and Team Member discretion. Team Members will continue to practice social distancing when possible. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not generally recommend use of face shields as a substitute for face coverings, they remain an alternative in certain situations where face coverings cannot be tolerated, such as for medical or heat-related considerations. Re-wearable masks must be washed after shifts end and prior to reuse.
What is Chick-fil-A doing to encourage social distancing in restaurants?
Our team has been innovating new procedures to help restaurants nationwide work towards limiting physical contact with Guests during this time. Here are a few examples of changes we are making in restaurants:
- Installing front counter plexiglass shields in restaurants reopening for carry-out, and in some cases, in the drive-thru window.
- Developing guidelines for restaurant Team Members to keep a six-foot distance whenever possible.
- Providing new signage and floor decals to create walking paths through the restaurants for Guests, with marks every six feet to encourage social distancing.
- Revising to-go order and beverage service procedures to reduce contact between Team Members and Guests, including providing all condiments and utensils in your bagged meal.
How is Chick-fil-A working to help ensure that food is protected and not exposed to potential germs?
We are evaluating every aspect of our business to ensure we are taking added measures to prevent any potential spread of the coronavirus, including the way we package your meals.
For the time being, select menu items will be served in different packaging to limit contact.
We are continuing to execute contactless meal delivery options through our drive-thru, carry-out and curbside.
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. Additionally, 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, using contactless meal delivery practices.
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 using contactless meal delivery practices.
How do I place a delivery order?
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 contactless procedures and other measures with our delivery partners to minimize potential spread. 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 to 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.
