Chick-fil-A — Restaurant in Ontario

On December 15th and 16th, we found ourselves in Kitchener for my son's basketball games. While coming back to london, there was no question—we had to make Chick-fil-A our dinner destination. Having missed it on a previous game day, we were determined not to let that happen again. Finally, on Friday the 15th, we made it, and it was well worth the wait.

Prior to this, I had never experienced Chick-fil-A, and since its opening in London, Ontario, around August or September 2023, the place had consistently been buzzing with activity. The sheer popularity, with queues stretching even up to a kilometer—both in cars and inside the store—left me in awe.

I jokingly questioned my son if this was some kind of golden food, given the perpetual lines. However, a conversation about Josh Huesser and a deeper understanding of the company's background and operations in Canada quickly shifted my perspective.

Arriving at 7:45 pm, we were greeted by an overwhelming line of cars in the drive-thru, prompting us to opt for the walk-in option. Stepping inside, we encountered a queue of 20-25 people, and the tables were already 80% occupied. Nevertheless, the bustling atmosphere only fueled our curiosity and eagerness to try the food.

Following my son's recommendation, we ordered chicken strips, a chicken burger, and a milkshake.

Food Taste: I can confidently declare that Chick-fil-A serves the best burger I've ever had. Even with my discerning taste, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Quantity: The portions were more than satisfactory, providing a generous serving that left us content.

Sauce: I must concede that the sauce lived up to its reputation as a classic and enhanced the overall flavor of the meal.

Price: While the bill for the four of us came to $71 CAD, it was a worthwhile splurge for the quality and experience. A treat like this once in a while is undeniably worth it, and I'm delighted to share some pictures of our delicious feast.

Having recently moved from Saskatchewan to London, Ontario, in July 2023, I find myself fascinated by Chick-fil-A's franchise, its products, and its business model. With a concise menu, excellent products, and top-notch service, it's a model that resonates with me. If given the opportunity, I would gladly bring Chick-fil-A to Saskatchewan—here's to hoping my dream...

Chick-fil-A is known for its exceptional customer service, and my recent visit to one of their locations reaffirmed this reputation. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant was clean, well-organized, and there was an efficient flow of customers moving through the line. It was clear that Chick-fil-A places a high priority on making their guests feel comfortable and well taken care of.

One employee in particular, Jacob Mejia, made my experience stand out. As soon as I approached the counter, Jacob greeted me with enthusiasm and patience. He took my order with precision, asking clarifying questions to ensure everything was perfect. What really impressed me was the genuine interest he showed in making sure I had everything I needed for my meal, even offering suggestions for sauces and side items. His attention to detail and friendly demeanor made the transaction enjoyable.

After placing my order, Jacob didn’t just stop there. While I waited for my food, he checked in on guests throughout the dining area, asking if they needed refills or any additional items. His proactive approach created a welcoming environment and made me feel like more than just another customer. He clearly takes pride in his work, and it showed in his interaction with each guest, treating everyone with respect and care.

When my food arrived, it was delivered promptly, and Jacob once again checked to ensure my meal was to my satisfaction. His willingness to go above and beyond, combined with the overall efficiency of the staff, turned what could have been an ordinary fast-food experience into something exceptional. The quality of the service rivaled that of many sit-down restaurants, which is not something you often find in a quick-service setting.

In conclusion, my visit to Chick-fil-A was memorable not just because of the delicious food but because of the outstanding customer service provided by Jacob Mejia. His professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail made all the difference. Chick-fil-A continues to set the bar high for customer service, and employees like Jacob are a testament to...

There is always the understanding that fast food will not meet the standards of a dine-in restaurant. However, Chick-fil-A publicly prides itself on business practices and philosophies that are meant to set it apart, if not above, the competition.

Over the past eight months, I have seen a steady decline in these claimed standards, and last night solidified it. The person taking my order showed a genuine disinterest in being there. I ordered a Deluxe Chicken Sandwich with extra tomatoes, 12 nuggets, and large fries, along with Honey Mustard and Chick-fil-A sauces.

Instead, I received a spicy chicken sandwich with no tomatoes and only one of each sauce despite clearly requesting extra. It is unclear where the breakdown happened: the cashier got most of the order right except for the sandwich type, but the kitchen seemed to interpret “+tomatoes” as “no tomatoes” and rationed the sauces.

The larger issue is this: what is the point of fast food when you’re paying near-restaurant prices, yet getting subpar food and service? Frankly, I can go to Popeyes, Mary Brown’s, or Church’s, get my order wrong there too, but at least pay less for the experience. At this point, I could have gone to a local sit-down spot, enjoyed better food and service, and supported a small Canadian business for a comparable price.

TL;DR:

Standards have dropped. Prices have increased. Corporate profits have grown. Skip the drive-thru, instead go sit down and support local Canadian restaurants.

Also, with a second location going up near Masonville, I would strongly suggest Chick-fil-A ensures consistency across all of its existing stores before...