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[left-of-center2012]

This message was self-deleted by its author (left-of-center2012) on Fri Jul 9, 2021, 07:32 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[hlthe2b]

1. Oh, please...

Really?

[left-of-center2012]

5. Uh, yeah, really. That's what the survey said.

(My top 2 favorites were way lower)

Press Release Restaurants 2020-2021
Chick-fil-A’s Satisfaction Reign Over Restaurant Segment Reaches 7 Years, but Its Lead Is Shrinking, ACSI Data Show

https://www.theacsi.org/news-and-resources/press-releases/press-2021/press-release-restaurants-2020-2021

[hlthe2b]

10. I'm not doubting the post, just the poll findings, given all the competition for chicken sandwiches,

(with Popeyes apparently still the nationwide champ), the homophobic and RW politics of its owner/founder, its controversial use of styrofoam cups(yes, I know they claim to recycle them), and general lack of variety on its menu. I used to like their finely diced chicken salad and their chicken salad sandwich, but they discontinued it in 2017


I guess some still like them.

[left-of-center2012]

13. "I guess some still like them."

Enough to make them #1 in this survey.

[joetheman]

106. i would check their survey methods and demographics first. RW MAGA participants mostly,

Most of those listed would be at the bottom of my list.

[Happy Hoosier]

6. I suspect some ideological loyalty.

Crazy Fundies love this place.

[Bettie]

11. That was my guess as well

because chicken sandwiches and fries are available everywhere.

[WarGamer]

58. It's the customer service.

[Bettie]

82. Waiting in a drive through half an hour for a mediocre chicken sandwich

served with a side of bigotry isn't my thing at all.

[WarGamer]

88. Their lines are very fast, fastest in the industry.

But hey, it's a free country and I respect your right to eat wherever you wish.

[Mariana]

32. I'm pretty sure that is a factor.

Christian Fundies comprise a high percentage of that chain's customers, and it's likely that they'll sing its praises, so to speak, out of loyalty regardless of what their actual experience was.

It's also possible that the Christian Fundy customers actually do receive much better than average service at that chain's stores because they identify themselves to the employees as Christian Fundies.

[sarisataka]

37. I'll have to try that

Do you think it is a code word or secret handshake? Or is just enough to whisper that I am a fundamentalist to get better service?

[A HERETIC I AM]

41. A bloody great cross around your neck should do it

[sarisataka]

43. I know just the thing-

There is a Hobby Lobby across the street

[Mariana]

48. It's just a hypothesis, but it's worth a shot.

When I was working retail in Texas, many of the Christian Fundies identified themselves pretty clearly without coming out and saying it. You can try wearing a cross necklace very prominently, or a pin with some popular Bible verse on it, or saying "God bless" or "Have a blessed day" or make some gratuitous reference to The Lord during the interaction.

None of these are certain indicators that the person is a Fundie, of course, but it greatly increases the odds. Most non-Fundie Christians don't feel compelled to call attention to their faith when they're interacting with complete strangers on business completely unrelated to religion.

If you happen to be visiting in December, you can try saying "Merry Christmas" with a heavy emphasis on the third syllable of that phrase, i.e. "Merry Christ!!!mas". If someone does that, you can be pretty sure they're a Fundie Christian. Merely saying "Merry Christmas" doesn't do it, the emphasis on that syllable is key.

[GoCubsGo]

44. That's part of it, along with availability.

Some of these chains are everywhere, like McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-swill-A, Domino's, etc. Others, not so much. No Jack in the Box in my town, and Chipotle went away at least a year ago. Lots of places don't have Popeye's, or Zaxby's, which is another chicken chain.

I ate at Chick-fil-A once, about 25 years ago.. It was forgettable. Nothing about it made me want to go back and eat there again. You had one rubbery chicken sandwich, you had 'em all.

[vercetti2021]

2. Who are they screening?

The good ol boys with their Sunday best on when they come from Friday night mass?

[left-of-center2012]

8. "Who are they screening?"

The ACSI Restaurant Study 2020-2021 is based on interviews with 19,423 customers, chosen at random
and contacted via email between April 1, 2020, and March 29, 2021.

Press Release Restaurants 2020-2021
Chick-fil-A’s Satisfaction Reign Over Restaurant Segment Reaches 7 Years, but Its Lead Is Shrinking, ACSI Data Show

https://www.theacsi.org/news-and-resources/press-releases/press-2021/press-release-restaurants-2020-2021

[Zeitghost]

9. Is it that hard to believe

That they might have good service & right wing ownership?

Politics aside, they seem to have a very successful business, it's not hard to imagine that part of that is customer service.

[Devil Child]

3. This has me wanting to swing by a Domino's to see the #2 customer experience

Chick-fil-a staff is pleasant but feels forced. Probably told they will burn in hell if they aren't nice or something. But nothing feels over-the-top in-your-face like the staff at a Dutch Brothers.

[EYESORE 9001]

22. Over the top. In your face.

Sounds more like Dutch Oven.

[fescuerescue]

4. It's probably the only drive through that NEVER gets it wrong

I can't think of a single time they have left something out of my order.

I know their politics aren't perfectly aligned with everyone,

But their food is awesome and they do a good job.

[sdfernando]

12. Awesome food???....really?

I had them once (I didn't pay and I refuse to patronize their stores) and it was less than a satisfying culinary experience. Dry chicken on dry bread...mediocre to bad dipping sauces. I'll pass thank you.

[fescuerescue]

27. Different people have different tastes

We are talking about fast food here ya know. If we compare it to fine dining, or even home cooking they fall pretty short.

But it's damn good for fast food and that's probably why they are so highly rated amongst fast food.

When I'm looking for a culinary experience, I skip fast food.

[USALiberal]

45. Well obviously you're in the minority. Nt

[Maru Kitteh]

67. Our office got some once so I tried their disgusting mac n' cheese. So gross.

I resolved that next time I'll just go ahead and be hungry. Yuk.

[Tribetime]

91. They left my food out in the cold for 10 minutes

With the bag open and bugs flying around. They thought my order was a customer ahead of me and left it out and meanwhile took the order at the window for that customer and made everybody wait 10 minutes

[sarisataka]

7. I very rarely go there

Due to their politics and I think their prices are a bit high for what you get.

To their credit, they are well staffed so wait time is short even when busy, the workers are friendly and courteous, the food is always hot and the order is accurate. I find that combination to be increasingly rare at other places.

[Jacoby365]

14. I ate at a Chick-fil-A in Sacramento a couple of weeks ago.

I ate inside the restaurant, but there was a double line of cars that circled around the building just to go through the drive-thru. A prominently displayed sign said they were hiring, starting at $17.50 per hour. The restaurant had multiple employees outside taking orders. While I was dining inside, three different employees checked on me, and offered to refill our drinks, even as we were just finishing our sandwiches. Oh yeah, they had fresh flowers on the table, too. Who says $15 an hour will put fast food restaurants out of business?

[NightWatcher]

15. They have a very limited menu and can put it out quickly.

McD's and so many of the others are failing and then trying to add more menu options to make more people happy. This slows down the cook and serve time and is why they have to pull your car up to the curb and bring it out later.

Chik Fil Hate cooks a few things and spits them out fast without messing up your order. Maybe other restaurants should try this.

[Baked Potato]

16. It's a good experience and delicious. But, they use MSG.

MSG destroys my sleep. I’m growing old and sleep is like a drug I crave. Lol.

[overleft]

17. Would not eat there on a bet. Too slimy in their beleifs.

[left-of-center2012]

18. I see they have a 'peach milkshake'

I might try that.
And my brother loves their macaroni and cheese.

[BannonsLiver]

19. Not at all surprised

People can debate the quality of food all day, and I get that, but they never fuck anything up and their employees seem to have a firm grasp of what they are doing and don’t seem to mind doing it.

Go to any Popeyes in America and they act like they’re the one doing you a favor. Their employees are miserable.

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

25. +1

I love Popeyes chicken, but their service is nearly universally horrible and their ability to get your order filled accurately is questionable at best. I've never had an issue with service or accuracy at Chick-Fil-A. Ever.

[BannonsLiver]

26. Yeah, when Popeyes is on it's terrific

Unfortunately it’s rarely on. Every single one of the dozen Popeyes in my area has a Yelp and Google review score of 2 or under.

[JI7]

83. Popeyes does have a consistency problem

[Politicub]

36. Ha! I love Popeye's but I dread going. They're always out of something that will

"take 15" minutes to make, the order is wrong or they forget about me when they ask me to pull forward and wait after paying at the drive through.

[Ilsa]

59. You must purchase food at my Popeye's.

"Please pull up while we finish your order." One time it was a single meal, but they needed 15 minutes to cook something.

Or I forget to check the order, get it home, and one of us has to eat a PBJ.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

61. There are numerous Popeye's at truck stops throughout the nation,

I rarely eat at any of them, because, 10 minutes after eating their food, I'm sprinting from my truck to the restroom to avoid soiling my pants.
Besides, I have a small refrigerator in my sleeper and I keep it stocked with food for just such an occasion.

[Ilsa]

62. I haven't been to one since that sandwich came out.

It's too much trouble. Easier to take a laxative.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

64. I sometimes think that they use laxatives in their cooking.

[uponit7771]

55. There are literally comedy sketches on YT that describe both Popeyes and CFA customer service

[Marrah_Goodman]

20. I will never give that company a dime, ever.

[Greybnk48]

21. We have relatives in Georgia that talk about it like it's a cult.

I think they like their chicken less than they love Chick-fil-A's hateful, racist, bigoted, twisted-Christian messages they like to periodically tout.

[jimfields33]

97. When I go in to a chick fil a, I never feel religion

It is pleasant experience of professionalism and accuracy. I know they had a bad CEO, but he’s long gone. He did ruin the reputation of the place. Hopefully that will be forgotten. I’m gay and know some friends who work for chick Fil a and they are treated well. I think they are trying to get away from their prior reputation. As far as Sunday off? Why not? Employees getting a day off is a good thing.

[Elessar Zappa]

23. I think their food is really good.

Hate their politics though.

[EYESORE 9001]

24. I proudly avoid all those places whenever possible

I try to support local businesses instead of corporate entities.

[stillcool]

28. never been...

not even on 'chick-fil-a appreciation day'. They're right up there with hobby-lobby for me. I remember too much.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/politicians-flock-to-chick-fil-a/4/

[krawhitham]

29. The food simply SUCKS. 20 years ago it was good, but now it is horrible

I was good when I was in college but I had some right before Covid and it was inedible. Worse bought out food I've had in my life, could not finish it

[USALiberal]

46. LOL, yet cars lineup by the dozens daily. Nt

[LanternWaste]

70. Tough old world when others disagree with you, eh?

(I used to pretend popularity equaled quality as well, but then I got older...)

[USALiberal]

79. Why not fix your quote? And credit who wrote it? Nt

[rockfordfile]

87. That's because the right-wingers line up there

They live in a bubble. liberals and the rest go to other places. It's just like TV.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

60. And yet they're rated as the best fast-food restaurant in customer satisfaction,

so their food must not suck as much as you think it does.

[musette_sf]

100. It was terrible 30 years ago

I had CFA once and only once. Houston Galleria location, so you'd think it was one of their "better" locations. The roll was moldy so I threw the whole thing away.

[Iggo]

30. If I could stop thinking about their support for gay conversion therapy...

…maybe I could get through the door and order something.

Instead I just walk by and flip ‘em the bird.

[Xavier Breath]

51. Agreed.

Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that isn't the prevalent attitude here.

They'll never get a dime from me.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

63. Why should it be the prevalent attitude here?

Their food is decent, their customer service is second to none in the fast food industry, you can condemn them for their political stance, but still eat a decent meal.

I don't judge a business by their politics, I judge them by their service, same with actors, I don't refuse to watch a movie/show just because it may contain an actor whom I disagree with politically, I can enjoy their acting skills while at the same time, criticize their politics.

[obamanut2012]

74. lolz

What an LGBT ally.

Nominating you for an HRC award.

[NYC Liberal]

92. People raise hell over a cheap fast food chain that donates some money to anti-gay charities,

but then turn around and buy all kinds of crap from companies that do billions of dollars of business in places like China that do way more direct harm to LGBT people.

Boycotting Chick-Fil-A is an easy performative gesture. Boycotting the many companies that do business in countries that repress or kill LGBT people is hard.

I'm gay and I've only been a couple times just because I'm not around them often. I asked another gay friend of mine and he said "If I only ate at places after I researched all their political stances, I'd starve."

[Decoy of Fenris]

96. Exactly. Just meaningless virtue signaling.

Boycotting CFA vs. boycotting anti-LGBT+ Companies in general is like the difference between Toddler T-ball and the Major Leagues.

[Thomas Hurt]

31. My experience is the appeal is largely ideological and religious...

People just love the fact that they are christofascist.

My personal experience has been that the sandwiches are bland, the chicken strips are very good and my favorite. The spicy strips suck, and they have excellent service.

The stores may be full of fundie christian employees, but they are on it and seem to care about their work and taking care of customers.

And they do this when there are over run with customers. Running two lanes of drive through and lines inside.

I used to eat there more often with co-workers many years ago. Now I might eat there once a month, but it is consistent service.

[rownesheck]

33. I don't eat chik-fil-A anymore,

but when I did, I thought it was fucking weird that the employees had to say "my pleasure". Sounds old fashioned and creepy to me.

[misanthrope]

34. I think for a lot of Chik-fil-A clientele it is a form of right wing virtue signaling

I say that because I've heard some of them openly state they like to support Chik-fil-A when possible because they like the company's open embrace of causes and the "values they promote."

[Crunchy Frog]

35. I tried it once, decades ago, and HATED it. Maybe it's gotten better since then, but

there's no way that I'll ever find out.

[Mr. Ected]

38. At least in my area, the young men and women that work there are testaments to their generation

There is a noticeable difference between their demeanor and efficiency and that of the teen-aged employees of other fast food joints.

I do not align with the politics of their company and seldom eat there. I have no idea what political beliefs are stored in the minds of the youth there but they are exceptional employees and deserve the praise.

[MichMan]

47. Yes, the only fast food restaurant that comes close to them for that is Culver's

I dont know how they do it, but both Chick Fil A and Culver's have very competent and friendly employees that generally seem to love being there.

The Chick Fil A drive in operates like an efficient well oiled machine. Not surprised that they score high on these surveys

[Mr. Ected]

49. You are absolutely correct!

Culver's is also exceptional. Glad I don't know their politics; I'd hate to have to boycott another well-run enterprise on the basis of their founders mouthing off about their "beliefs" when those beliefs run counter to mine.

[SYFROYH]

39. "It's my pleasure."

[FlyingPiggy]

40. I'm not surprised. I hate their politics but they run a tight ship.

They make a good little chicken sandwich and their customer service is on point. Long lines but they move people through quickly.

[kairos12]

42. ...and the trains ran on time.

[Iggo]

54. I know, right?

[uponit7771]

56. yep

[obamanut2012]

75. Seriously

What the fuck is up with this thread?

[Starry Messenger]

108. +1

[hunter]

50. It's unlikely I'll ever drive up to a Chick-fil-A or Hobby Lobby...

... and give them any opportunity to forgive their trespasses.

[kskiska]

52. Their parking lot is always filled here,

but this is South Carolina. I've tried it once or twice and wasn't impressed.

[JI7]

86. It's full in liberal southern california also

[Tommy Carcetti]

53. Meh. Even putting aside politics, I find them rather mediocre and overpriced.

My kids like it for some reason, but every time I've had it I just find it to be rather overrated.

It's chicken patty sandwiches with honey mustard sauce and waffle fries. They aren't terrible, but honestly not worth the money. Even the other legacy fast food places--KFC, McDonalds, etc.--offer better tasting food for less money.

They recently opened one in the parking lot near my work. Only time I've gone there is to pick up stuff for my kids. No real burning desire to go there for myself.

[WarGamer]

57. Let me explain. I eat there often.

Yeah the politics sucks...

But the Food is excellent.

You know what's even better? The Customer Service. They use humans in the drive-thru lanes to take your order in person not through a speaker box. They process your card or cash right there in person. EVERY person who works there is friendly and kind. I have NEVER seen a drive-thru line move so fast. They even give you your food in person, in the drive thru lane, not just at the drive up window.

They use their own delivery team.

They're top notch. Oh and their Diet Lemonade is A+++

[WarGamer]

80. I'm an LGBT ally

Who works with people who are LGBT, is friends with them... I comfort them in times of trouble and celebrate with them in times of joy. I attend same sex marriages and their baby showers, birthday parties and funerals.

In other words, I don't label people. That's the best thing all of us, as humans... should do for each other. I don't judge people by the color of their skin, who they have sex with or how they identify themselves. Everyone has a clean slate with me that can only be dirtied up with their character or behavior.

And I'm sure that NONE of them give a shit where I eat lunch.

[treestar]

90. I don't see that it is so

necessary to boycott them in order to be a support to LGBT rights. They are not going to go out of business. And nothing they can do can change the law. The SCOTUS decided gay marriage had to be or it was unconstitutional; businesses can do nothing about that.

We'd have to boycott everything as there is probably something we don't like about any given company. On this very thread the huge chain corporateness of it is one person's reason not to go there. But a small mom and pop might be homophobes and you just don't know it, while patronizing their business.

[Sgent]

77. I have seen them

use the boxes when its not prime hours. Otherwise I agree 100%.

[DFW]

65. Only a few of these chains operate in Europe

Pizza Hut, McD, Burger King, Subway, Dunkin and Starbucks. I'm rarely (if ever) at any of them except Starbucks, since they have a place in the Düsseldorf train station where I can park if I miss a late night connection. I WISH they had Cheesecake Factory in Europe! I don't know HOW they maintain that menu, but I was impressed, and their fresh black bread is so good, you risk being full by the time your meal arrives. For a chain, they offer quite a variety of food styles, too. I'm there maybe once a year, but never been disappointed. I've heard about Popeye for decades, but never had any of their stuff.

As for the rest of them, I know I've had Chipotle when in the States, because my daughters liked it. I'm pretty sure I was at a TGI Friday's once. I know I had a Chick-Fil-A something once a few years ago when I was at some big meeting in the States, and (as often happens--"well, you're never around!" ) they forget to order me lunch. There was a leftover Chick-Fil-A something (don't ask me what), so I ate it anyway, but it was cold and unremarkable. That's as close as I ever got to them.

For customer service, I'll take the Kurdish-run Döner places in my neighborhood any time. Especially if you greet your server with "rozh bazh." Then you'll own the place.

[jimfields33]

98. I agree with you on Cheesecake Factory

Holy cow are they amazing. And the portions…..lol. I can eat on it for days.

[Decoy of Fenris]

99. Bang-Bang Chicken and Shrimp all day long. Cheesecake Factory is amazing. n/t

[jimfields33]

101. Absolutely for sure!!!!!

[brooklynite]

66. I'm guessing that 90% of their customers know nothing about their political philosophy.

[jcgoldie]

78. Who gives a fuck

Fuck chickfila and if it has a sister fuck her too!

[Decoy of Fenris]

81. Their service is the best in the business and their food is good, for fast-food.

Not really surprising, although I -am- surprised Sonic scored as low as they did. Still, impressive that a fast food joint outscored all sit-down steakhouse restaurants. CFA knows what they're doing and do it very well.

And since apparently it must be said, no, I don't care about CFA (or any Company)'s politics; If I didn't patronize businesses simply because they didn't 100% ideologically match with me, I'd never purchase anything and I'd live a sad, lonely, pathetic life of doing nothing and being alone. Chicken sammiches don't vote, but they do taste delicious.

[BannonsLiver]

84. Couldn't agree more

Like a lot of people who save for retirement, I have mutual funds with holdings in a lot of different companies. I don’t have the energy to litigate every company’s political ethos.

[Devil Child]

95. Same, plus my taste-buds and stomach drive my dining-out choices. Life is too short for bad chicken

30+ chicken sandwich options out there, enough to cover everyone's tastes and needs I hope.

[rockfordfile]

89. No their food is crap

That just tells you lot about right-wingers.

[Decoy of Fenris]

94. Different people have different tastes.

Some people don't like bacon, others don't like broccoli. Some like CFA, others don't. Doesn't make them wrong or you right.

[rockfordfile]

85. It seems the right-wingers just pigeon hole that one company.

Liberals and the rest of other folks go to more places. I might go to get Mexican food or seafood or pizza. They're in a bubble.

As for their food never liked it. Tried it at a mall when I was a kid years ago. Another food I didn't care about was Dr.Pepper.

[smirkymonkey]

93. They were banned here in Boston by former Mayor Menino (Yay!), but I heard that there

is one somewhere in the city now, although I have no idea where. I don't really eat fast food, and I am against their politics so I am not going to seek it out.

What really shocked me that Dominos was #2. I have had it maybe once or twice a long time ago and it is practically inedible! It's like cardboard with ketchup and melted plastic on it. Ugh! It must be all the MAGAts boosting their ratings or something. Clearly the people participating in this survey have the worst taste in food.

I have had Panera and Chipotle (work lunches) and they are both so much better than Dominos. I consider them to be kind of higher tier of "fast food" - a little healthier and better quality.

[Silent3]

104. Domino's at #2 struck me too...

...more than anything else in this survey.

[smirkymonkey]

105. Aren't they the worst?

You would be better just getting grocery story frozen pizza than ordering from them. Not to mention the politics of their owner who is a major right-wing right-to-lifer.

[LiberalFighter]

102. Have never and never will eat there.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

103. I have boycotting this firm for over 20 years

This company is rubbed by homophobes

[NoRethugFriends]

107. have you ever posted something left of center?