Article

At 50, Chick-fil-A’s signature sandwich endures changing trends

Chick-fil-A’s VP of Product Strategy and Development said the chain's new grilled platform could be a game changer for QSR.

May 27, 2014 by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Chick-fil-A’s signature boneless chicken sandwich is turning 50 this year and the company is celebrating with giveaways, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and a social media campaign, #StoryofAClassic. Aside from reduced sodium levels, in five decades, nothing has changed about the sandwich: It's still made by hand using the same recipe and cooked for 4 minutes in Henny Penny equipment. And it's still the chain's top seller.

QSRweb.com talked to David Farmer, Chick-fil-A’s VP of Product Strategy and Development, about how the signature sandwich has stood the test of time amid consumers' dramatically changing demands.

QSRweb.com: As consumers’ palates have changed, how has this sandwich remained so popular?

David Farmer:Quite simply, it’s craveable. Not only was the recipe carefully designed by our founder Truett Cathy – from the secret recipe for the coating to two crucial pickles to the foil bag – each sandwich is also made with care by hand. The recipe and care with which the sandwiches are made make it consistent in every restaurant.

It also doesn’t hurt that we are credited with inventing the boneless breast of chicken sandwich — it’s the original.

QSRweb.com: Has anything changed with the recipe in 50 years?

DF: We have made some minor changes to the recipe over the years. We made an effort to reduce sodium across our menu a few years ago, and the sandwich was included in that change.

QSRweb.com: Is the sandwich Chick-fil-A’s top seller?

DF: The sandwich and our Waffle Potato Fries are neck and neck for top sellers. Consumers want healthy options and a menu of choice; however, taste is still king. They buy based on taste.

QSRweb.com: As more chains add/focus on chicken, how will Chick-fil-A continue to stand out/differentiate itself?

DF: We think if we continue to lead with great tasting food, we will continue to stand out and draw loyal customers. We have the best in class Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and we recently added what we think is the best-in-class Grilled Chicken platform in the industry (more info here). 

This Grilled Chicken has the potential to be a game changer for our business. It could be to the Grilled Chicken Sandwich world what our Original is to the breaded chicken sandwich.

Second, no other QSR chain offers the kind of personal service our independent restaurant Operators and team members do.

QSRweb.com: How is the chain celebrating the anniversary of its signature sandwich?

DF:Many of our restaurants are celebrating in their communities in their own special way – for example, in Houston, our operators are giving 50,000 sandwiches away via events and partnerships with non-profit organizations. We also have a special foil sandwich bag commemorating the occasion and many restaurants are hosting “birthday” parties to celebrate.

Finally, we created a video honoring the anniversary, shared various historical photos and stories of Chick-fil-A and the Cathy family through our Email Insiders program and social media pages, encouraging fans to share their own experiences and memories using #StoryofAClassic. Check out the video:

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