Chick-fil-A to make Manhattan debut in a big — and green — way
New York -- Chick-fil-A is set to open its largest location to date in one of the nation’s busiest cities.
The quick-serve restaurant chain will open its first freestanding location in New York City, at the corner of West 37th Street and 6th Avenue in the Garment District, on Oct. 3. The three-story, 5,000-sq.-ft. restaurant will be Chick-fil-A's largest in the country and will be independently owned and operated by local resident Oscar Fittipaldi.
The new Chick-fil-A, which is still under construction, will be one of the few quick-service restaurants in New York City built to LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) specifications with water and energy efficiency features, air quality control and waste diversion efforts, among other initiatives. It will be among the first Chick-fil-A locations to feature an "InSinkErator" food waste disposal system, which spins and separates liquid from solids. The technology will reduce the volume of the restaurant's organic waste by 80%.
The restaurant will also recycle all cardboard and plastic used in back-of-house operations, and provide napkins, tray liners and Kid's Meal bags made from 100Y recycled materials. All beverages will be served in compostable paper cups.
Beyond its sustainability features, the restaurant was specifically designed for the busy lifestyle of New York customers, with increased ordering, production and assembly capabilities in order to meet high demand. To expedite the ordering process, restaurant employees will use iPads to take customer orders, so meals will be ready once guests reach the counter.
The new Chick-fil-A will partner with regional farmers and suppliers to source locally grown ingredients for its fresh, handmade menu items. The majority of fresh produce for Chick-fil-A's hand-chopped salads will be grown on farms in New York and New Jersey.
Chick-fil-A has even launched a new website, NYCCFA.com, to serve as a hub for information about its upcoming Manhattan site.