Chick-fil-A mobilizes customers for ordering, payment

Atlanta - Chick–fil–A is mobilizing its customers, at least when it comes to payment and ordering. The quick service chain is launching two new features, mobile payment and mobile ordering, within the Chick–fil–A mobile app.



Chick–fil–A restaurants nationwide are now accepting mobile payments through the Chick–fil–A app so that customers can use their smartphones to pay for meals. The national rollout in all Chick–fil–A restaurants, with the exception of licensed locations, marks the official launch of the Atlanta–based restaurant chain’s mobile payment system.



Chick–fil–A customers can download the free app from the iTunes App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android devices. Once the app is downloaded, customers can register for an account and load funds onto it using credit or debit card information. When customers are ready to pay, they tap the “Pay” button and scan their account’s unique Quick Response Code (QR code) at the register or drive–thru window. The cost of the meal will be automatically deducted from the account balance.



Mobile ordering is also now available in more than 130 Chick–fil–A restaurants in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Washington, D.C. Customers in these pilot markets can use their smartphones to place an order and pay before they reach the restaurant.



During the order process, customers can choose any entrée, side item, sauce and beverage and completely customize their order. Favorite orders can be saved for reordering in the future. After selecting their pick-up method (walk inside the restaurant or have their meals delivered to their car), customers then pay for their mobile order using a credit or debit card or with their Chick–fil–A mobile payment account. The food is prepared when customers “check in” on the app to ensure they receive fresh food quickly and on their schedule.



“This literally puts the ordering process in the customers’ hands,” said Khalilah Cooper, leader of digital ordering strategy at Chick–fil–A. “Mobile ordering is all about giving customers the flexibility and choice to order what they want, when they want it, and how they want it. It’s perfect for any customer who is short on time, and it’s also convenient for families with children who want to customize a large order and avoid standing in line at the front counter.”



Chick–fil–A’s mobile ordering pilot began in early 2013 and is presently not available for breakfast or catering orders. The company will expand mobile ordering to more restaurants in 2015, with mobile ordering available nationwide by the end of 2016.



Chick–fil–A is listening to its customers and plans future enhancements to its mobile app experience, including an auto–reload option for mobile payments and the ability to use Apple Pay within the Chick–fil–A app.



While mobile ordering is currently available in select locations, all Chick–fil–A customers have access to other features on the Chick–fil–A Mobile App, including menu and nutrition information, an allergen filter, restaurant location finder and more.