Chick-fil-A opens its first-ever mobile pickup-only restaurant
Chick-fil-A is opening two digital-focused test concepts this year — with the first now open in New York City.
The quick-service powerhouse has opened a mobile pickup-only restaurant on the Upper East Side of New York City. With no seating or dining area, the concept is focused on the company’s mobile pickup and delivery channels. Customers order ahead for delivery or carryout via the Chick-fil-A app or online.
Designed for urban areas with heavy foot traffic, the restaurant is alerted by geofencing when the customer is on their way to expedite the process and ensure each meal is timed with their arrival. Status board screens inside the restaurant allow customers and delivery drivers to see when their orders are ready in real time.
-
Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A. -
Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A. -
Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A. -
Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
Drive-Thru Concept
Later this year, Chick-fil-A will open its first-ever drive-thru concept, in the Atlanta metro area. Customers can choose to place their order with an employee or they can use the dedicated “mobile thru” lanes for orders placed ahead in the Chick-fil-A app.
By building the kitchen above the drive-thru lanes, meals are expedited to the employee who delivers the order directly to the customer in a space protected by the upper level, so hospitality won’t be sacrificed for speed of service, the company explained.
“At Chick-fil-A, we are always looking for ways to innovate and enhance the Guest experience,” said Nathaniel Cates, senior principal design lead for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “While digital concepts are becoming more prevalent, it’s important that we evolve in a uniquely Chick-fil-A way – meeting the changing needs of our customers without compromising the signature service and care they’ve grown to know and love.”
Chick-fil-A is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. More than 200,000 associates are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The company plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia.