Chick-fil-A — Restaurant in Jacksonville

A few things that make Chick-fil-A special in general. Excellent fried chicken, great service, and the waffle fry. I don't think they make Chick-fil-A's fast enough to keep up with the demand! Chick-fil-As generally earn a 4-4.5/5 star rating in my mind as in general they are a step above all other fast food restaurants.

This place meets everything that makes Chick-fil-A great and then some, hence the 5 star rating. The service is phenomenal. One time, our food came out about 5 minutes later than we might normally expect. To make up for the inconvenience, we received a complimentary gift card for a free premium sandwich. We didn't even say anything. The manager just gave the gift card. On another occasion, we thought our car had been scratched by another car in the parking lot and we asked if someone might take a look at the security footage. One of the managers spent about 10 minutes combing through the film. These are but two examples of the ways their team goes out of their way for their customers. They do all the small things well which usually means that they do the big things well too. Always generous with sauces (I've noticed a lot of fast food joints skimp on sauces. Not Chick fil A).

Secondly, this place is busy! On Saturdays, you might think you are in the middle of Times Square about to eat at hot local joint. You are actually at a Chick-fil-A in Jacksonville. They must have 20 people working in the back and 10 people managing the line, but that Kitchen bustles. The drive through is ridiculous as well with workers outside with tablets taking your order. You'll have your food in no time. And the food is exactly what you would expect. Everything is made hot and fresh that you'll typically get fresh fries straight from the fryer and a sandwich that is warm not because it was on a warmer but because it was actually just prepared. The freshness is palpable.

Some tips. First, order through the app. Sometimes, this will allow you to get food quicker than when you order through the line especially on Saturdays. 2nd, scan your membership in the Chick-fil-A app every time you order. You earn rewards which include free sandwiches. Why would you say no...

Drive-thru order taker was an older lady who was rude. My sister asked me to stop at this one near her place in Mandarin. I asked if we could do separate orders & she said yes, mentioning she would have to put us as seat 1 & 2 of the same car.

So when she asked if we were ready to order I said seat one will have, then she cut me off. Abrubtly saying I don't need seat 1, I just need a name. So I gave her a name & my order not realizing they were still in breakfast for a few more minutes. She cut me off again & said we are in breakfast, but you can still order lunch you will just have to wait. I asked for how long & she wouldn't answer the question directly, I think she said till breakfast is over. Repeating if I want lunch I can order but you'll have to wait. I asked how long till breakfast was over, then she didn't answer. My sister spoke up & said they should have a breakfast menu for you to look at. She heard this. I had to ask for it, she didn't offer it. We were at a drive thru spot where there was no menu screen. She gave one & within less than a minute I gave it back & told my sister just to order what she wanted. I decided not to get anything. All this took place quickly within a few short minutes. My sister said I don't like that she's being rude, we can go inside. Then she changed her tone slightly & said it's no problem if you want lunch you'll just have to wait for however long.

We ended up driving away & parking so my sister could go in. At that point I didn't want anything thing from there. My sister insisted on my order went in & order all her stuff & mine from a person at the counter who happened to be the manager. She mentioned how I was treated & he comped all our 4 meals, even though she said she will pay for her 3. He comped all anyway & added cookies, said he'd talk to the lady.

So since he tried to make it right I gave 3 stars. He also mentioned lunch was starting in 7 minutes & it was not a big deal to order lunch since they were already preparing for it. The whole order took less time to prepare than it took for that...

As a dine-in experience today.. 1st I purchased a combo meal and received cold waffle fries. I took them back up front to the cashier and she walked over and I was handed another large waffle fries that was basically warm that turned cold and greasy before I could eat half of them, which I just threw the rest away in the trash. Very disappointed Chick-fil-A you can do better!! When I go to the drive-thru I always receive fresh cooked and very “hot” waffle fries! Next time I will not deal with the front cashier because the manager needs to get this properly fixed, nobody likes cold waffle fries!! 2nd….Secondly the reason I have left a five-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review was for the excellent customer service I received from the in-store employee named “Sebastian” who was exceptionally polite and professional! From when I entered the building he greeted me with a polite smile and his great customer service continued after I received my meal. This tremendous employee “Sebastian” went above and beyond! The booth/table I walked over to had some crumbs on it. He rushed and got it clean quickly and as I was eating made sure I had all the condiments, my drink was refilled more than once and that I was happy in every way! As a previous CEO of a company for 25yrs which had many employees in the retail industry this young gentleman not only made me but made other tables in every other customer I could see he had encountered contact with feel welcomed & gave tremendous polite service. Even when I was leaving “Sebastian” thank me for my business and showed me that I was appreciated! I’ve been coming to all Chick-fil-A’s for 35+ years and this is the best customer service from an employee I’ve ever had!! Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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