What It's Like To Work At Chick-Fil-A

Frying chicken is not as easy as it seems. Here’s what it’s like to work at one of the busiest Chick-fil-A locations in America.

In 1967, Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-fil-A in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall. The menu offered just a few classics, including its famous chicken sandwich, which sold for $0.59.

Over the past five decades, Chick-fil-A has gone from a cult favorite to a dominating presence on the fast food scene. The chicken chain now employs 120,000 people in 2,300 restaurants across 47 states, including New York. It first opened its doors to New Yorkers in October 2015, at the corner of 6th Avenue and 37th street in midtown Manhattan.

This particular location is one of the busiest in the nation, says franchise owner Oscar Fittipaldi. He owned a Chick-fil-A in Philadelphia before being selected among hundreds of applicants to be the brand’s first Manhattan franchisee.

In Philly, Fittipaldi’s restaurant completed about 900 transactions on the busiest days of the week, he tells me, but in New York, “we do 3,500 transactions on the busiest days.”

What’s it like to actually work there? I decided to find out.

To keep up with the demand, Fittipaldi has hired more than 125 team members, including assistant director Monique Mendoza, who let me shadow her during her 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday shift. Mendoza, 22, has been with Chick-fil-A for seven years — she started behind the counter as a teen in Utah and worked her way up to her current managerial position.

Before the sun is up, I head over to the original NYC joint to start my day behind the scenes. Once there, I put on my head-to-toe uniform, which included a hat, red polo and non-slip shoes.

Now I’m ready.

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Here’s what it’s like to work at one of the busiest Chick-fil-A locations in America | CNBC Make It.

[KoolKitKat]

i don't know why i'm here watching this. i work at chick-fil-a. i have two finals tomorrow. why am i like this.

[two.six]

I worked for Chick-fil-A back in the 1980's. This is pretty much the way I remember it. Not a lot has changed. One of my favorite jobs ever.

[dolcemusica]

It's like she has no clue about sanitation raising her hands for high fives all the time!!

[CarlosfVilchez]

“Do you ever just eat the fries?”

Manager: “no it’s against policy”

Proceeds to eat fry 😂

[chadbaxter]

I hate watching this on a Sunday. Lol. Monday morning I’ll be there.

[MaxximumRage]

Fast food workers are some of the hardest workers in America. I give them a lot of respect for keeping America going when we need something fast to eat.

[marcos]

“Right out of the oven” I could’ve sworn that was a fryer 🤔

[traviethecoyote]

I just got hired by them today! The interview seemed nerve-racking at first, I got interviewed by 2 Operators and 1 Director, but if you're genuine and open up with them and telling them that you're communicative, very team-oriented, and understanding, you'll do great in the interview. Wish me luck :D

[SouthSideLadyWright]

I worked at at Chic fil a 3yrs as a cashier on a college campus. I loved it. The students were more patient and friendlier.

[nathanlewis]

Pickles not touching, just as God intended

[JestaLemon]

Chik fil a employee here and her shirt must be tucked in and she would still be required to wear a hair net with that long of hair you can't double drop the fries in the same henny..guys ima have an aneurism 💀

[arseniocarter]

I worked at chick fil a for about 6 years. I loved every minute of it. Great staff, great people, just the customers sometimes though🙄

[amandaderp]

That's why in the kitchen you elbow bump

[InvestingBookSummaries]

"Dating not mating for the pickles" Very funny : )

[cadenceseymour]

Kinda sad that they left out front of house employees

[dylanatkins]

Why am I watching this. I’ve been working here for 2 years

[kevin-hbex]

i have my cfa interview tomorrow, wish me luck!

[BinibiningDos]

I worked at chick Fil a ilang it’s such a nice experience. All of the employees are nice and pleasant. The food I can vouch that they’re always fresh and clean, and the ambiance always has positivity. And yes, its my pleasure to have worked to CFA ☺️

[coolguy]

The employees were probably annoyed cause they had to deal with this inexperienced gjrl

[adamknight]

You can see why they are doing well as a business. Good team morale.