Smyrna Chick-fil-A to Undergo Renovation

By Landon McCallister 

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer 

SMYRNA, Tenn.-- The Chick-fil-A at 470 Sam Ridley Parkway W. in Smyrna will be shut down for six weeks in either February or March 2018 for an extensive renovation, according to Director of Operations Chuck Bean.

Chick-fil-A will essentially double in size to help give guests the best possible experience. It will also expand its parking lot. One new thing that will be coming is another drive-thru to help guests to be served as fast as possible. Another new feature that is coming is a new mobile area station that allows customers to order online so food will be ready when they arrive. 

"The guest experience always comes first," said Bean. "We are a quick service, not a fast food service." 

Photo by Landon McCallister

Some ways that will help improve the speed of service are changes that are taking place in the back of the store that guests do not see. Currently one unit is dedicated to the preparation food for everyone. After the renovation is complete, the kitchen size will double. This means workers will be committed to either the drive-thru or taking orders inside the store. 

To make things simpler, there will essentially be two people cooking the chicken, two people making sandwiches, two people boxing the chicken nuggets and strips, and two people making fries. 

With the expansion of the store, Bean hopes that the Smyrna Chick-fil-A will be more welcoming for customers with more room, a shorter drive-thru line, and faster service. 

Some menu changes have already occurred with the addition of macaroni and cheese, which has been a popular item for kids, and family-style meals, which feed four people. The family-style meals include two main food items and two side items. 

Chick-fil-A customers should know soon if special events or discounts will be offered to help celebrate the store's reopening. 

Chick-fil-A in Smyrna is a $6 million business. After the renovation takes place, Bean hopes the store can eventually become an $8 million business. By the end of 2019, he hopes that the store can become an $11 million business. 

Accomplishing this would be an unprecedented significant jump in just two years. Not only is it almost doubling the money the store earns, but doubling the number of people who get served.  

 Motlow students are also excited to hear about the expansion of the store.  

"I love Chick-fil-A, but I usually only go early in the morning or late at night when they are not busy," said Courtney Howard. "I will definitely be going more often." 

Overall, Chick Fil A is renovating to benefit the customers, and that’s how it has been since Truett Cathy started the business.  

"We're not just in the chicken business, we're in the people business," said Cathy. 

For more information or to see the Chick-fil-A menu, visit www.chick-fil-a.com.