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Chick-fil-A steps up growth plans
July 8, 2009
ATLANTA — Despite the sluggish economy, Chick-fil-A has thus far in 2009 sustained the sales momentum set by a record sales year in 2008, the company has announced. As of June, the chain's systemwide sales are up approximately 10 percent and same-store sales have improved about 3 percent at its stand-alone and mall locations.
Amid the news of its steady sales performance, Chick-fil-A chain is increasing the number of restaurants projected to open in 2009. The company will now open 69 new stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurants — up from 64 — as well as a new mall location and 10 licensed outlets, for a total of 80 restaurant openings in 2009. As of the end of June, the chain has opened 31 new restaurants and has kept pace with its goal to reinvest in 65 of its current locations through major remodels.
"These uncertain economic times continue to inspire us to remain focused on the core values that have shaped our brand — delivering excellent food and unequaled customer service," said Chick-fil-A president and chief operating officer Dan T. Cathy. "Despite the troubling economy, stable financial health is allowing us to grow and not waiver from a second-mile service commitment to our customers. The results can be found in our continued success, for which we remain thankful."
Chick-fil-A was able to buck the sluggish-sales trend with a number of marketing initiatives, including a systemwide New Year's Day 2009 free Chicken Biscuit giveaway. With spring came the rollout of a limited-time Peach Hand-Spun Milkshake.
For the remainder of the year, the chain shows no sign of letting up. As part of the chain's fifth-annual Cow Appreciation Day celebration, Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who visits one of the 1,445-plus participating restaurants fully dressed as a cow July 10. This year's promotion also includes a dedicated Web siteto provide details of the event, tips for dressing up as a cow, as well as photo contests for both kids and adults 18 and older.
On the heels of Cow Appreciation Day, Chick-fil-A will conduct its Labor Day giveaway in conjunction with its title sponsorship of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff football game held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Customers who visit any Chick-fil-A restaurant on Labor Day, Sept. 7, wearing any sports-related apparel will receive a free signature Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.
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