A Drive-Thru Change May Be Coming to Chick-fil-A

We already know that Chick-fil-A is in a league of its own when it comes to the drive-thru. The Georgia-based chain works hard to raise our expectations of customer service by consistently providing accurate and friendly human assistance. This remains true even while other restaurants, like Taco Bell and Wendy’s, power forward with AI-assisted ordering. 

And Chick-fil-A stays committed to hospitality. Whether it’s deep in the hottest days of summer or snow is blanketing the parking lot, the dedicated workers continue serving with a smile reflecting the chain’s core values. However, while it always seeks to offer top-notch service, there’s no denying that the Chick-fil-A drive-thru lines move very slowly at times.

Now the store is striving to improve the drive-thru experience for guests and testing a unique restaurant concept to deliver your crispy chicken faster than ever.

Chick-fil-A’s First Elevated Drive-Thru Just Opened

Chick-fil-A just launched its first Elevated Drive-Thru in McDonough, Georgia. The term doesn’t only refer to the improved experience for customers but is also a literal description of the new restaurant design. For the first time, the kitchen is elevated above the drive-thru and orders are transferred using a conveyor belt system to team members below who deliver the food to guests.

The model will have no dine-in option and is expected to vastly improve wait times. This means it will be easier than ever to grab your favorite meal, even during peak busy hours. Chick-fil-A’s new model features a double-sized kitchen and four-lane wide drive-thru, which allows a greater number of cars to pass through compared to traditional stores. Guests can choose to place an order with a team member or utilize the mobile ordering option, which will have dedicated drive-thru lanes.

In a recent press release, the restaurant shared its reasoning behind the new innovative designs. “Our guests lead busy lives, and we’re focused on designing our restaurants to best serve their needs,” said Jonathan Reed, Executive Director of Design for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “With the new Elevated Drive-Thru design, featuring our first four-lane drive-thru, we’re aiming to deliver quality food and genuine hospitality in a way that’s uniquely Chick-fil-A, and gives our guests time back in their day.”

The elevated drive-thru experience is currently only available in one location, but if it’s successful it’s possible that more could be popping up soon. In the meantime, Chick-fil-A will continue to improve its mobile ordering strategy and provide us with tasty options like the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich and Banana Pudding Milkshake, both of which return to menus Aug. 26.