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More Than a Meal: Serving Detroit with Purpose
May 07, 2025
How one Local Owner-Operator is making food go further with the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program
When Vikki Brown opened Chick-fil-A® Livonia in January 2023, she already knew that being a local Owner-Operator meant more than serving delicious food. It was a chance to care for her Detroit community, one meal at a time.
A longtime Detroit resident, Vikki understood the challenges her neighbors faced.
“Metro-Detroit has seen its share of economic downturns, and when that happens what people need most is a sense of stability," Vikki said. "Something simple like having access to a hot meal can make a big difference for those facing food insecurity."
Previously a franchise owner with another foodservice company, she often tried to donate surplus food but found it difficult, as many organizations required larger quantities or preferred monetary contributions.
So when she learned about the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, it immediately caught her attention. It offered a simple, meaningful way to give back—and became one of the first programs she joined after opening her doors.
A trusted partner with a shared mission
Through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, Chick-fil-A restaurants can donate surplus food to local community partners that help people facing hunger. For Vikki, that partner was the Metro Detroit Salvation Army. Since 2023, the Restaurant and nonprofit have worked together to redirect surplus food from Chick-fil-A Livonia to local families facing hunger.
Twice a week, volunteers pick up carefully packaged extra food from the Restaurant, from proteins and side items to fruits and vegetables. In the first few months of 2024 alone, Chick-fil-A Livonia donated more than 7,000 lbs. of food.
An opportunity for leadership
For Vikki, the impact of the Restaurant’s food donation goes beyond numbers.
“What makes Chick-fil-A Shared Table special is it’s easy to implement, but the results are powerful,” she said. “Our Team Members run the program. It gives them a sense of ownership, leadership and pride. They know they’re making a difference.”
Vikki finds purpose in the power of food to uplift communities—a shared mission that fuels the partnership with the Salvation Army.
“We both want to serve people and care for them as best we can,” Vikki said. “Partnering with an organization that knows how to get food into the right hands made all the difference.”
Serving the community in more ways than one
The collaboration has extended beyond food donations. During Detroit’s annual downtown Christmas tree lighting, the Chick-fil-A Mobile Kitchen sold Chocolate Chunk Cookies, with 100% of the proceeds going to local hunger-fighting partners like the Salvation Army.
Leading up to the event, Vikki’s restaurant also hosted an in-restaurant fundraiser benefiting the Salvation Army, offering another meaningful way for Guests to get involved.
"Giving back through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program reflects what it means to be part of this community,” Vikki said. “I’m grateful to make an impact through something that reflects our Corporate Purpose and everyday operations.”
How one Local Owner-Operator is making food go further with the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program
When Vikki Brown opened Chick-fil-A® Livonia in January 2023, she already knew that being a local Owner-Operator meant more than serving delicious food. It was a chance to care for her Detroit community, one meal at a time.
A longtime Detroit resident, Vikki understood the challenges her neighbors faced.
“Metro-Detroit has seen its share of economic downturns, and when that happens what people need most is a sense of stability," Vikki said. "Something simple like having access to a hot meal can make a big difference for those facing food insecurity."
Previously a franchise owner with another foodservice company, she often tried to donate surplus food but found it difficult, as many organizations required larger quantities or preferred monetary contributions.
So when she learned about the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, it immediately caught her attention. It offered a simple, meaningful way to give back—and became one of the first programs she joined after opening her doors.
A trusted partner with a shared mission
Through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, Chick-fil-A restaurants can donate surplus food to local community partners that help people facing hunger. For Vikki, that partner was the Metro Detroit Salvation Army. Since 2023, the Restaurant and nonprofit have worked together to redirect surplus food from Chick-fil-A Livonia to local families facing hunger.
Twice a week, volunteers pick up carefully packaged extra food from the Restaurant, from proteins and side items to fruits and vegetables. In the first few months of 2024 alone, Chick-fil-A Livonia donated more than 7,000 lbs. of food.
An opportunity for leadership
For Vikki, the impact of the Restaurant’s food donation goes beyond numbers.
“What makes Chick-fil-A Shared Table special is it’s easy to implement, but the results are powerful,” she said. “Our Team Members run the program. It gives them a sense of ownership, leadership and pride. They know they’re making a difference.”
Vikki finds purpose in the power of food to uplift communities—a shared mission that fuels the partnership with the Salvation Army.
“We both want to serve people and care for them as best we can,” Vikki said. “Partnering with an organization that knows how to get food into the right hands made all the difference.”
Serving the community in more ways than one
The collaboration has extended beyond food donations. During Detroit’s annual downtown Christmas tree lighting, the Chick-fil-A Mobile Kitchen sold Chocolate Chunk Cookies, with 100% of the proceeds going to local hunger-fighting partners like the Salvation Army.
Leading up to the event, Vikki’s restaurant also hosted an in-restaurant fundraiser benefiting the Salvation Army, offering another meaningful way for Guests to get involved.
"Giving back through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program reflects what it means to be part of this community,” Vikki said. “I’m grateful to make an impact through something that reflects our Corporate Purpose and everyday operations.”
