borborigmy wrote:I also still have a slight personal guilt about going to a restaurant who's owner is so religious that it closes on Sunday - but that is my own issue.

Not aiming this at you in any way... but this is the third or fourth time that Ive seen
something similar to the above in this thread (there was something else upthread
about being "gacked out" about the religion at Chick-fil-A too IIRC).

Ive never eaten at Chick-fil-A I dont think.. but whats so different about them?
One of my favourite places anywhere (and new GNR-winner) Uncle John's
BBQ falls into the same category - they have never been open on Sunday's
either (and the last time I was there, they had fliers up for their church). In
fact, almost the entire south-side falls into this category - when Iam often on
the southside, in the summers, I try to arrange to be there on Saturdays,
because most of my favourite places are closed on Sunday... Uncle John's,
Barbara Ann's, Abundance Bakery, Old Fashioned Donuts (another GNR) etc,
are *all* closed on Sunday. (I usually end up eating at the only choice left,
Uncle Joe's Jamaican Jerk on Cottage Grove on 82nd street).

Or about how an LTH-beloved place like Khan's? GWiv has now missed lunch
there 4 times, apparently [ ] ... those Friday-afternoon-closures are *all*
for religious reasons, Khan's is never open for lunch on Friday because Friday
afternoon is "prayer-time". Heck, Iam not even sure how much food Khan
serves during Ramadan (for an entire month!) .. a friend went for a late-lunch
on a normal day a few weeks ago, and they told him theyd have food only
after "fast opening" that day. (I *know* the LTH-beloved restaurant Hyderabad
House is *always* closed for the entire day, every single day for one entire
month of every year, serving food only after sundown due to Ramadan).
In all the LTH-discussions about these places (and there have been
several), I dont think Ive ever seen a single "gacked out" reference about
not wanting to eat there because of the owner's religious sensibilities.

As for religion intersecting with food in a pretty obvious way.. the old location
of Khan's (much missed on this board) used to play religious sermons in Urdu
and Arabic constantly on TV.. the new Khan's has more "mainstream" Pakistani
television accompanying your food, but even that can sometimes be "interesting"
in this sense (the last time I was there late one evening, my chicken-boti was
accompanied by a TV-discourse from a "religious scholar" about how
neccesary it was to abstain from food and water all day during Ramadan
without making the excuses so often made in the "modern world".. the promised
punishment for those who did not, if I remember correctly, was "being hung by
hooks driven thru their cheeks in hell" or some such ) Why is it that this
sort of overt religious-intersection with food is merely considered
"wonderful atmosphere" at a place like Khan's, but AmyGrant music grates
enough by its religiosity to be gackworthy?

The chicken boti happened to be really "on" that day at Khan's, when the bearded
mullah was chattering on about hellish punishments for all sinners. If Chick-fil-A's
chicken sandwich is of a similar quality, I personally will be perfectly happy to listen
to Amy Grant while consuming it

c8w

c8w wrote:The chicken boti happened to be really "on" that day at Khan's, when the bearded mullah was chattering on about hellish punishments for all sinners. If Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwich is of a similar quality, I personally will be perfectly happy to listen to Amy Grant while consuming it

c8w,

No need.

Chick-fil-A is a quite good chicken sandwich, given the context of a fast food chain. Khan's Chicken Boti is a song in the heart.

Enjoy,
Gary

I just got back from visiting the folks in NC. In a rare case that we had a day without meals planned either out or at home and it wasn't a Sunday (Grrrr... I get it folks but its a fat food chain..deal with it /rant off) I got to get my Chick-fil-A fix. I didn't have my camera with me but I really do believe that the club with fried chicken, when fresh, is defiantly above the fast food level. Even my mother's chicken nuggets (she wasn't too hungry) were far better than any competing fast food place. If we could just get Chick-fil-A and In-And-Out and i won't have to travel for my quick chow fix anymore.

...and I'll remain "gacked out," thank you very much:

as I opine in my previous comment I can be "gacked out" and say I'm "gacked out" and still appreciate fish from a Moonie or chicken from a Chiliast

as for Khan's(gotta love the PC leveling of the playing field: Amy Grant is = to some mullah): what pisses me off even more is it's one of many restaurants/businesses on Devon my female, uncovered, Hindu friend feels unwelcome to enter because of the way she is treated by the men


and since LTH is basically a religion free zone that's my .02

Ive never eaten at Chick-fil-A I dont think.. but whats so different about them?
One of my favourite places anywhere (and new GNR-winner) Uncle John's
BBQ falls into the same category - they have never been open on Sunday's
either (and the last time I was there, they had fliers up for their church).

In regards to c8w's comments and the fact that Chick-Fil-A closes on a Sunday, I think I really was just summarizing that I am a little uncomfortable going to a place that supports political agendas that I do not completely agree with (look up Chick-Fil-A on Wikipedia, etc.). Of course, sadly for me, that has never stopped me from eating somewhere before when I enjoy the food (Oberweis, for example). It just adds to my guilt.

I was raised in Florida, so I am very familiar with chick-fil-a. It is my favorite fast food joint, period. The chicken is always juicy and has a great taste. I think the closed on Sunday part makes me want to eat there more...the basic rules of economics, supply and demand baby!

borborigmy wrote:

Ive never eaten at Chick-fil-A I dont think.. but whats so different about them?
One of my favourite places anywhere (and new GNR-winner) Uncle John's
BBQ falls into the same category - they have never been open on Sunday's
either (and the last time I was there, they had fliers up for their church).

In regards to c8w's comments and the fact that Chick-Fil-A closes on a Sunday, I think I really was just summarizing that I am a little uncomfortable going to a place that supports political agendas that I do not completely agree with (look up Chick-Fil-A on Wikipedia, etc.). Of course, sadly for me, that has never stopped me from eating somewhere before when I enjoy the food (Oberweis, for example). It just adds to my guilt.

I think the basic difference is that you can not compare a single operator place like Uncle John's with a semi-national chain like Chick-Fil-A. One place closes so the proprietor can have a day off, the other is following a specific agenda and operates many locations and a relatively massive staff according to this agenda. I do realize this topic boarders on LTH verboten, but, honestly, the issue to me has little to do with the underlying ideology and much more to do with common sense business. There are staff perfectly willing to work Sundays (or at least have no deeply seeded conflicts... I now I did not in my years on the other side of the line) and patrons willing to go to the establishment. So, while I love the food, I do think that this particular policy is outdated and, in today's market, silly.

I'm sorry to bring up a very old topic but is there any more news on the Chick-Fil-a openings in chicago? I've been trying to find something on Google about it but haven't had any luck.

Thanks!

Chris

I've been trying to get a franchise in Chicago for a few years. They have told me Chicago is not in their immediate plans.

When I was in Florida, I ate at Chik a Fil and had their chicken sandwich to see what all the fuss was about. It was good but to me, no better than one of McDonald's premium chicken sandwiches.

I also ate at IN and OUT in California, and I think they are a "cut above" the average fast food chain for burgers. Here, I love Culver's which are my fave for a chain. Last week I ate at Steak and Shake and I was not impressed. Won't go there again.

no better than one of McDonald's premium chicken sandwiches.

I believe that, especially in the southeast markets, McDonald's sandwich is an effort at replicating the Chic Fil A. It's a different chicken sandwich than McD's serves here (not that I have eaten a McD's chicken sandwich in many years.)

Just like the rest of the members that replied to this topic...I'm excited.

I've only had one experience at Chick-fil-a and it was amazing. We went for the all you can eat nuggets and fries Saturday down at Purdue and I gave them a run for their money. I believe it was around $6.99 and I'm quite sure I ate enough chicken and fries to feed 3-4 small families .

This news has really made my weekend better.

beefsandwich1 wrote:I've been trying to get a franchise in Chicago for a few years. They have told me Chicago is not in their immediate plans.

Do you understand how Racine, WI got theirs? It is really all by itself.

Regards,

I have no idea why Racine and not Chicago, or why the one in Bloomington, IL?

I have to say that while for a fast food chain this is a pretty decent chicken sandwich, I think most will find that if there ever any around Chicago they will be relegated to Krispy Kreme stature (a must have for a while...then taper off to eh not worth the drive). Having traveled in the south quite a bit I couldn't wait to get a Krispy Kreme and GooGoo Cluster when I saw one...now I don't really care if I see either.

scanz wrote:I have to say that while for a fast food chain this is a pretty decent chicken sandwich, I think most will find that if there ever any around Chicago they will be relegated to Krispy Kreme stature (a must have for a while...then taper off to eh not worth the drive). Having traveled in the south quite a bit I couldn't wait to get a Krispy Kreme and GooGoo Cluster when I saw one...now I don't really care if I see either.

Wow...well put, I hadn't even thought about that. I drive past a Krispy Kreme daily and have no urge to swing in and grab a freebie . BUT....I can't say the same about Sonic. If they opened a Sonic or Jack In The Box around here I'd be there daily. I have a soft spot for joints that bring back memories...#1 being In-N-Out...Mmmmm.

scanz wrote:I have to say that while for a fast food chain this is a pretty decent chicken sandwich, I think most will find that if there ever any around Chicago they will be relegated to Krispy Kreme stature (a must have for a while...then taper off to eh not worth the drive). Having traveled in the south quite a bit I couldn't wait to get a Krispy Kreme and GooGoo Cluster when I saw one...now I don't really care if I see either.

You know I would have thought that as they began their expansions around DC, but they opened one not far from my old office and we'd pop in occasionally- we went in the first week and they were slammed, and then we'd pop in about once every few months around lunch time, and still just slammed beyond belief. I think it's due to the fact that they are just consistently good and simple.

I remember reading a tribune article about an upcoming chik fil a coming to the chicagoland area at the end of this summer, however after emailing them off their website http://www.chick-fil-a.com/#feedback they replied that no chik fil a's are currently scheduled for development in the chicagoland area! I'm so pissed! Anyone recall that article or hear anything about this? I'm hoping for the .0000000001% chance that somehow, the guy from chik fil a that emailed me is wrong!

Btw, anyone agree that the Macdonald's "southern" style chicken sandwich is a blatant rip off of Chik Fil A and is simply inferior in every way? Processed, formed chicken, bun too thick, a weird buttery spread, weak, small pickles, and absolutely no spice on the breast as well as hardly any seasoning! I had to slather mine in hot sauce to make it bearable. They tried to copy CFA but they forgot that CFA uses real chicken breasts, fries in peanut oil, uses a less restrictive bun, better pickles, actually uses seasoning and perhaps has god on their side, haha.

It is to my knowledge that they have no plans to enter the "evil" city of Chicago. One day when I was bored I sent out a bunch of emails asking for franchise information on a number of regional fast food joints and the prospects of opening in Chicago. Chick-fil-a and In N' Out were the only two that replied they didnt have plans of opening. I received store info packets from places like L&L, five guy's, Bojangles', Del Taco, pollo tropical and Maid-Rite. The Maid rite corporation was more than interested as they sent me two folders worth of info costing them over $15 in shipping charges with all sort of things including high resolution pictures of other stores. I would expect them to be next in line of making the move into Chicago, it would make sense with all the Iowa transplants.

For now the closest Chick-fil-a is either in South Bend, IN or Racine, WI depending on which way your going. They also have a few at different airport terminals which is when I usually get to try them. I much prefer their chicken breakfast sandwich to the lunch one. I wish they would open up somewhere in Chicagoland, how about an O'Hare terminal for starters? I would plan all my flights in the early am so I could eat chicken biscuits for breakfast.


sandwich and waffle fries from chick-fil-a (South Bend, IN)

Chick-fil-a
4555 S Michigan St
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 968-0351

Whenever I travel through Hartsfield, i always try to leave an hour or so between flights so that I can hit the Chic Fil A on Concourse A. The place is always hopping.

I'm on record as a native Southerner thinking "what's the big deal" about Chick-fil-a. Better than average chain fast food does not put a place in the same conversation as GNR's, for example. That said, the simple, basic chicken sandwich at Chick is a fine example of fast food, and the McD's southern chicken thing is obviously a reverse-engineered Chick-fil-a sandwich. Unlike the above poster, I believe that McD's got pretty darn close. When they first introduced the thing, I was amazed by how near they came to emulating the iconic Bible-belt snack. (Despite my penchant for entrails and exotica, my kids love McD's cheeseburgers when we're on the road. So sue me.) Now, from my admittedly statistically insignificant sample, I've determined that you must inquire whether the chicken is being fried to order. If so, pretty good. If not, pretty bad. Also, the meat is a skinless chicken breast, not processed chicken slurry as suggested above. This based on my observation and also on McD's site. You have a better chance of winning the lottery than discovering McD's to have such an obvious inaccuracy on their website. (Note, the site also lists "liquid margarine" as the topping. Must be truthful; who would tout that?)

I've never had Chick-Fil-A, and I'm looking forward to trying it. I've had McDonald's southern style chicken sandwich and, while I do like the minimalism of it, the chicken has a weird, processed, and overly moist texture to it. Maybe it's not "chicken slurry," but it sure as hell doesn't have the mouthfeel of chicken breast. It's almost like something that's been over-brined or something like that. Is Chick-Fil-A's similar, or does it taste and feel like real breast? That's my main complaint about the McDonald's southern style sandwich. Otherwise, it's perfectly serviceable and one of only three other items I ever get there (the others being the double cheeseburger and the occasional 1/4 lber w/ cheese.)

Those restrictive buns make me crazy.

the McD's chicken breast isn't a processed patty and their southern style sandwich is quite good in my opinion

there's one at the univ. illinois - urbana-champaign student union as well... if only they had it while i was there.

MBK wrote:the McD's chicken breast isn't a processed patty

Like I said, it may not be, but it has a funky not-quite-real-chicken texture to it. Could just be pumped full of water or something, but I'm obviously not the only one who feels that there's something a little off texture-wise in the chicken. Also, like I said, I look it well enough. It's my favorite chicken sandwich at McD's.

Da Beef wrote:

sandwich and waffle fries from chick-fil-a (South Bend, IN)

Chick-fil-a
4555 S Michigan St
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 968-0351

WTF?
Lettuce?
Styrofoam container instead of a foil bag?
That is no Chik-Fil-A!

Jamieson22 wrote:WTF?
Lettuce?
Styrofoam container instead of a foil bag?
That is no Chik-Fil-A!

eh, its a deluxe w/ extra pickles. I tried one this time b/c the regulars were just sitting theres and this was made fresh. I dont know only place's I have ever had chick-fil-a are that location in South Bend, and the DC and Atlanta airports. I will stick with the chicken biscuit when I have the chance and I slightly prefer the regular sandwich to the deluxe.

MADNESS!!! Read below...

Thank you for taking the time to contact Chick-fil-A. You are very important to us, and we appreciate your question regarding Chick-fil-A Restaurants in the Chicago area.

Chick-fil-A is strategically planning expansion for the Chicago area. This planning, however, can sometimes take as long as five years. You could possibly see Chick-fil-A in this market by late 2011 or 2012.

Again, thank you for your time and interest in Chick-fil-A.

Sincerely,

Tamara
Chick-fil-A CARES
Chick-fil-A...We Didn't Invent The Chicken,
Just The Chicken Sandwich.
On the Web at www.chick-fil-a.com