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the nuggets sir, the nuggets are the best in the business

i love chikfila, from the nuggets to the breakfast chicken biscuit. funnily enough, i always seem to crave chikfila on a sunday. but it's cool. they do what they gotta do.

I'm not a big fan of fast food, but when I do get the hankering, it's usually Chik-fil-A. The regular sandwich. with extra pickles. one packet of mayo. black pepper.

Also, the stores are always clean. The employees are polite and professional. The food is consistently good and hot. If other fast food outlets were this consistent, I might be more of a fast food fan.

As for their closing on Sundays, I don't view it as a religious message. More like, it's a day off for their employees to have a life...religious or otherwise.

They claim to be the creator of the Chicken Sandwich. Any truth? That would be something. I think ill go with some nuggets today when I go. They seem to be the best. I hear they have great milkshakes too.

The chicken seems real and minimally processed, compared to other fast food joints and the Polynesian sauce is amazing. Although, maybe I'm just a biased Atlantan...

As for the religious thing, as far as I understand it, it goes no further than encouraging managers and franchise owners to be respectful of employees and customers, which includes giving everyone a day off on Sunday. Partly religious, and partly a throwback to the days when NOTHING was open on Sunday. There are worse things...

the waffle fries with the polynesian sauce is nom

Chick-fil-A's and In-n-Out's affiliations do not affect the quality of their foods. In fact, these are the only two chains I go to because they're the only two who have not screwed up my order, and always give great service. But then again, I don't really factor in affiliations when I go out for food. They really don't matter to me.

This country was founded on religious freedom for all, even though the founders were Christian. Your American money has religious overtones. I'll take it if you don't want it. I hold S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A in high regard for his beliefs, scholarships, community and charity contributions. His stores are clean, the employees exemplary, the food good, and closing on Sundays makes me even more willing to spend my few dollars there. Morality counts with me.

I've always wanted to try it!

We don't have it in Canada (that I know of)

WAH wah waaahhhh.....

Love the nuggets - real chunks of chicken without the blanket of greasy breading - how can you not love that? Love the waffle fries. Love the lemonaid, which is made with real lemons, a fact you can be sure of because it occasionally tastes "off." That may be an odd thing to mention as a positive, but I find it oddly reassuring. How many fast food products can you buy that are natural enough to be perishable?
Their ice dream - sorry, ice "dream" - sucks, though.
I have to say, though, that I find it odd that people boycott them because their founders come from a relgious background. Seriously? You know you don't have to make a statement of faith to get your chicken. I promise.

Chik-fil-a was a staple when I went to school down south. Now I stop at the one in Philly airport whenever I can. Honestly, I don't see what the big deal is with them not being open on Sundays. States have Sunday liquor laws because of archeaic religious reasoning but that doesn't stop people from visiting the liquor store every other day. As long as I can keep getting the best chicken sandwiches there, if they want to have their day off on Sunday, whether for religious reasons or otherwise, that is fine by me.

Having been born and raised in Atlanta, I've eaten many a Chick-fil-A sandwich in my day. Food of the gods, I tell you...food of the gods. I don't see why anyone should have a religious issue with the company itself. It's not like there are crosses on the walls or bibles on the tables - chill out folks. Plus, as it sounds to me - In-and-Out seems to go a heck of alot further with scripture on cups! My brother worked at Chick-fil-A all through high school & college & it's a great place for teens to work - they relish that having Sunday off will be a given. Oh...and polynesian sauce it the greatest thing since sliced bread.

@Lorenzo-- I guess I see where you're coming from... I mean, I know we're not Europe, but in the Franceland (where most people agree that there is no God, but still somehow remains to be very much catholic) EVERYTHING is closed on Sundays. Are they trying to send some message that these French "heathens" should be in church? Not sure. Don't care really. That's how they do. Just gotta roll with it, yo. We keep everything open on Sundays in America... and, now I'm wondering why we don't shut everything down one day a week, too. I think it would be a good idea. I mean, why not? Frenchies still have enough time to do all their stuff.

Ps. And, maybe this whole rant was just your conscious tellin you that you need to go to Church sometime! ;) jk.

@Lorenzo I hate to mix food and religion but I LOVE chik-fil-a (and no I'm not really religious at all). I would argue their so called Christian message is the REASON to go. Very few companies religious or otherwise give up the dollar for ANY reason (just look at your bailout seekers). To me it's "We believe in a day of rest (for whatever reason) and we put our money where our mouth is." And they give up millions a year to close on Sundays. That's admirable to have a belief that strong and to back it up. And the best part (on really the bottom line reason to go) the food is always high quality (for fast food) and the people who work there are generally superior to the workers at the local McDonald's.

Too many other people of faith say "Do as I say, not as I do, and give me your money." Not be offensive to you but If you feel they are reminding you that you "should be" in church maybe that's something you need to work out for yourself in your own mind. But get a chicken sandwich first. I am just fine not being in church in Sundays and wish those in church all the best.

We went to college with the guy who makes the cows on the billboards. He was an art major and we used to tease him that he would not make much money. Turns out that those cows are very valuable. We were at the studio where they are sculpted by hand and I have to say, I felt like the damn things were celebrities!

It is a-mazing. I'm from North Carolina, and whenever I go home I MUST have the chicken biscuit. It's not as greasy as Bojangles (okay, that's a whole other conversation), and the hashbrowns. Oh, the hashbrowns. I like to dunk them in ketchup and mayo. Doesn't that sound healthy?

I have a hard time breaking out of a weekly Saturday routine of going for their Sausage BREAKFAST BURRITOS! They really rock. Good potato rounds to go with. ..They are also very sweet to my dog and give her doggie biscuits each visit.

@dmarina - lol!

@meg3j: It would be different indeed if EVERYTHING shut down on Sundays in the US the way it does in much of Europe, but it doesn't. As you point out, religion nowadays in France is almost a non-issue. It is clear to everyone that the corner boucherie and patisserie are not closed because the owner wants to use the closing as a way of making a statement. All of the shops on the street are closed. As to a neighborhood Jewish-owned shop or Muslim-owned shop closing on Saturday or Friday, I don't have the perception that their closing is intended to make any sort of statement about what others should be doing, since in neighborhoods where that occurs ALL the neighborhood Jewish or Muslim shops like it are also closed, and they don't happily publicize their founders' religious philosophies in press releases and websites. The neighborhood shop closes so its owner can go worship. A huge company like Home Depot with thousands of diverse employees doesn't close on Saturday because the founders were Jewish, but a huge company like Chik-Fil-A does? They are clearly closing in order to make a statement, as they remain conspicuously closed when all of their competitors are open. By standing alone, they are making a subtle statement--a subtle protest, if you will, against something they perceive as wrong. Not all of their employees are churchgoers who are as thrilled as Chik-Fil-A's founder that they have Sunday off. Some would probably prefer to have, say, Wednesday off, when they could more easily go to a doctor's appointment, the Post Office, or the bank than they could on Sunday. The company is well aware that not all of their employees share the founder's view on religion, so their closing on Sunday can serve little purpose other than as a way to make a statement.

It's Chik-Fil-A's INTENT that matters to me, and they all but admit that the Sunday closing thing is intended to send the public a message or make a statement. I have no objection to religion whatsoever. What I object to is a restaurant attempting to send a message--whether it's religious, political or whatever--a message that has nothing to do with its business of selling food. There may not be Bibles on the table or scripture on the cups, but they do serve up a subtle public relations message through their rather unique Sunday closing thing. I find a business serving me a message of any kind that has nothing to do with what I am purchasing, however subtle and even pleasant the message may be, somewhat distasteful.

ugh grew up in the land of chick-fil-a. only thing i like about them is their commercials.

seriously, folks. bojangles blows CFA out of the water in every way.

OMG NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM @Chick-fil-A sauce!!! I still get the polynesian sauce for my waffle fries, but I drown my chicken in this new and wonderful sauce that I'm not even sure how to describe...its like if you took a honey mustard sauce but made it taste like a bbq sauce but still creamy and filled it with love and awesomeness and added a dash of amazing, then you would be close. I generally don't eat fries and fried chicken and such...but about once every month or two I completely blow my diet for a large order of fries and 2 orders of chicken strips. Love it! Also..props to Chick-fil-A for taking a stand on their beliefs.

@Lorenzo- Hey, man. Kudos to you if you feel that strongly about it. There are things that I feel that strongly about that other people think I'm crazy for abstaining from... simple things like you not eating at Chick-Fil-A. I don't agree with you, but I don't need to in order to understand from where you're coming. I've never thought about it the way you put it, and I think it's... interesting... Ha. But, for real. Like my friend H says... Keep doing you, bruh!

@Lorenzo -

Not sure where you are from, but in the South, where Chick-Fil-A started, there are plenty of things closed on Sundays (including restaurants), just like the Jewish communities you mentioned in your post.

I go to Kosher delis all the time and wish I could get cheese, but that is their beliefs and I certainly don't feel like people are making statements. It's their beliefs, their places, and instead of accusing of them making "statements", I respect their views.

Even if someone was standing at a pulpit yelling at me, I would still march right into Chick-Fil-A and get a chicken biscuit every morning. If i were you, i would not let you paranoia get in the way of seriously delicous food.

A huge company like Home Depot couldn't close on Sundays because its publicly traded and its shareholders wouldn't let that get in the way of profits.

@chefjeff- I live in North County San Diego. Sadly for me, the closest Chick-fil-A is in San Marcos, and I don't make it up that way very often. I'm not a huge fast food fan, but, because of their accuracy and not submerging my food in mayo, they are one of the few I'll go to.

I love just about everything on their menu - especially the breakfast stuff!
I don't know if it's the peanut oil or what, but their chicken ROCKS! The ice dream custard rocks too!

my bad thats the north bound side of Rt 9 in Howell!!

Why anyone would slam a corporation with a social and moral conscience is beyond my comprehension. I've only eaten there a few times and was more impressed with the employees than the food, but I'll give it another try based on the good reviews. I had a chicken sandwich that only had pickles. My friend got the waffle fries and I tasted them - they were good. I'm going to make it a point to stop there tomorrow afternoon. What should I order?

@Perkz- Ask for the Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce, too for the sandwich.

I don't understand the bashing over why someone chooses to go to one place and not another. Why should it matter where I eat or spend my money?

Personally, as I explained above, I don't care to support them because of their religious overtones. When I was in high school, I didn't support Domino's for years because they were openly affiliated with the PMRC. If knew a restaurant openly supported the Taliban, I wouldn't support them either, even if they had the best [insert food here]. Some people here may support the Taliban, I don't. Same thing.

Talking despicably about about someone's intolerance made me chuckle. ALL of us are prejudiced to some degree. Everyone has their reasons of liking something (read: being tolerant) and not liking something (read: being intolerant).

Not using money because of its religious overtones is an idiotic argument, since I have no freedom to choose to receive *cash* w/o any religious markings. As an aside, I can't remember the last time I touched a dollar bill or a coin.

Of course, there's also the fact that I don't care for deep fried foods for the most part and I can't stand poultry.

@Lamora-- My brother and I like to call it Chicken Filet (Chicken-Fil-A ) instead. Ha.

@Cassaendra--not opening on Sunday and supporting anti-abortion causes are totally different. I didn't patronize Domino's for its support of anti-abortion causes in high school (for example, when organizing school events for NHS or student council, I would opt for Pizza Hut or a local place). Observing your religion's Sabbath out of your belief that it should be a day of peace, rest, and reflection is totally different, and it's not like the employees HAVE to go to Sunday on that day.

Like I have said, I have worked for Jewish employers and had Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashona, and Saturdays off. I didn't have to worship on those days, but that was simply the convictions of my employer, and certainly not an offensive practice.

@twojoe: Rt. 9 is a bit out of my way for fries and biscuits, though, so I won't be eating it any time soon, though.

I admire anyone that stands up for their convictions...walks the walk, not just talks the talk. When Simon Malls (owners of many malls in the US, including the Mall of America) instituted a policy of all stores had to be open 7 days a week, Chick-fil-A decided to pull out, even though some of those locations were their biggest money makers. If they don't infringe on your beliefs, why do you care?

@ joyyy... I like liberals...... mostly deep fried....

@HeartofGlass: I'm not comparing the causes per se, just noting that people have varied reasons for supporting one thing over another (or not supporting).

Some people aren't bothered by scripture on their cup, sermons on the radio, poorly treated animals, underpaid workers, factory farming, etc. and see the food served at an establishment as the primary importance. I'm not bothered by people who enjoy food for food's sake.

It is people who try to impose their beliefs, especially those who ridicule others who do not follow their beliefs, whom I find repugnant. I didn't tell anyone NOT to go to the restaurant.

@Joyyy: It stands for the Parents Music Resource Center. While Wikipedia is littered with half-truths, their listing gives a quick overview of the PMRC. Of course, I didn't vote for Bill Clinton because of his ties with Tipper Gore.

@HeartofGlass. Do you shop at Walmart?

"By standing alone, they are making a subtle statement--a subtle protest, if you will, against something they perceive as wrong."

First, what is the thing they perceive as ‘wrong’? Provide a link or fill us in and I’ll happily educate myself, because so far I’m under the assumption that their mission is to serve fresh and more wholesome ‘fast-food’ than other companies, not go on a crusade and convert the masses.

As owners of the company, they aren't "making a statement" as much as they are simply practicing and honoring their religious beliefs.

'The company's official statement of corporate purpose says that the business exists "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." The chain invests heavily in community services (especially for children and teenagers) and scholarships.'

Read: the intent is to serve their God by serving you good food, not share the Gospel with their patrons. Are you really trying to spin this as being preachy and trying to guilt people to attend a service, or even convert them? Christians often get a bad rep but constitute some of the most community-oriented volunteer groups. When you go to a Christian-run homeless shelter or food bank, it is distinctly all-are-welcome and no one is trying to impose beliefs. They honestly want to have a positive impact, and that’s merely a manifestation of their faith. What’s wrong with being honest and saying, “Yes, as owners, we are Christian and we instill in our business the same values that we hold for ourselves”? Should they be ashamed of that and keep it quiet? I sure don’t think so. Large chains and corporations that have a set of values they really measure themselves against are few and far between. In this case, it just happens to be values drawn from religion – not necessarily beliefs – but values.

The stated purpose includes religious connotations, because, surprise, it was founded on those values. They apply the closed-on-Sundays rule to all of their restaurants because they own them, they have a vision for them, and they’re being consistent.

"What I object to is a restaurant attempting to send a message--whether it's religious, political or whatever--a message that has nothing to do with its business of selling food."

Oh, but it's everything to do with their business of selling food, because their business was founded on it. As an extension of their faith, they believe in extending a day off to all employees just as they would have that day off themselves. They serve God by serving fresh and honest food to their patrons and being stewards in their communities. But they aren’t saying – “Go to church you heathens!” or “Everyone should believe in God!” They’re merely providing an explanation. If you take offense at that, I would say you’re looking to pick and fight, but it’s your opinion and you’re free to have it.

“Not all of their employees are churchgoers who are as thrilled as Chik-Fil-A's founder that they have Sunday off.”

And, just as you have a choice not to buy food from them, employees can find work elsewhere if they so choose. Nobody is forcing you or them.

@ChefJeffSD--No, I do not shop at Wal-Mart.