I wonder what made them back off of their plan to have a store here by Christmas 2008 as reported in the Tribune last summer.

Suprised to see no mentionof their wonderful DIET lemonade. I am a fan of their chicken noodle soup as well!

For those traveling that way, there is one in the Philly airport. I think it's terminal C (it's NOT the one with United in it).

As a Chick-fil-A fanatic, I tried the McDonald's sandwich for the first time last week. What a tasteless, dry, boring disappointment and sad, sad imitation it was. Despite the extensive lab work, marketing planning and focus groups put in by the people in Oak Brook, the end result is absolutely brutal when stacked up next to the delight churned out daily by the Chick-fil-A folks who claim they invented the chicken sandwich.

How good is Chick-fil-A? We have a good friend of ours who is unabashedly liberal, so she completely detests the conservative mindset of the Chick-fil-A corporation and it pains her to step foot in one of their restaurants and fork over her money. But ultimately, satisfying the taste buds overrides partisan politics and we switch off with her making runs to Racine and bringing back sandwiches, fries and diet Lemonade for everyone.

2011 or 2012 is better than never, but it's not soon enough.

dry in taste maybe (though I disagree), but the chicken itself is not dry, at least it hasn't been when i've had it

FoodSnob77 wrote: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 http://www.chick-fil-a.com

I got the same exact reply when I sent them an email a few weeks ago. I had breakfast at Chick-Fil-A two days in a row when I was in San Antonio and I now prefer the Chicken Biscuit sandwich to the lunch one. The chicken minis (a nugget on a soft honey wheat bun) were tasty snacks as well. I also prefer the hash browns to the bland waffle fries. It'll be a long wait, but I'll get my Chick-Fil-A fix in Racine and out of town.

Hey,
I'm not a huge Chick Fil A fan, but I had read this thread before and thought you might be interested in my sighting today. Driving down Ashland (around the Division or Chicago intersections) I spotted a Chick Fil A van. I've no idea what it was doing, but it looked like one of those promotional RV's that drives around giving free samples/goodies. It was pulling in as I drove by. I would think that means Chicago may be getting a Chick Fil A in the future...

I heard from a friend who manages a Chick-fil-a franchise that the plan is to have many ( 5-10) locations open within the next 2 years in the Chicago area. They should open at around the same time.
There is some controversy around the fact they have not come to the Chicago area sooner.

I hope it works out. The van is a good sign. Maybe some research was being done? I'd like to volunteer to participate in such research.

Sad to see their expansion to Chicagoland won't be as soon as I'd like it to be. Roadtrip to Regency Mall in Racine, anyone? (which still is their closest location to Chicago)

BTW abevigoda, you're right about the crappy McDonald's southern-style chicken sandwich, as I tried it when McD's had a free sandwich promotion for it earlier this summer. Sandwich was way too dry for me, and my mom(a less picky eater than me, IMO) even agreed with me on that!

amyandphil wrote:Hey,
I'm not a huge Chick Fil A fan, but I had read this thread before and thought you might be interested in my sighting today. Driving down Ashland (around the Division or Chicago intersections) I spotted a Chick Fil A van. I've no idea what it was doing, but it looked like one of those promotional RV's that drives around giving free samples/goodies. It was pulling in as I drove by. I would think that means Chicago may be getting a Chick Fil A in the future...

I would've really loved to have randomly seen that van driving around town, especially if the people driving it were giving free samples of Chick-Fil-A food! *sigh*

I still don't get it. I've been to this joint a few times in the south and recently in LA, and still don't get the wow factor. I've been getting the regular chicken sandwich and had the chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich, too, but i foudn it to be decent. Nothing more.

Can the fanatics tell me what sets this place apart for them? ( I feel like one of those guys staring at thos mindfunk optical illusion posters that everyone else can decipher except me!)

Ghazi wrote:I still don't get it. I've been to this joint a few times in the south and recently in LA, and still don't get the wow factor. I've been getting the regular chicken sandwich and had the chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich, too, but i foudn it to be decent. Nothing more.

Can the fanatics tell me what sets this place apart for them? ( I feel like one of those guys staring at thos mindfunk optical illusion posters that everyone else can decipher except me!)

You and me both, Ghazi.

Can the fanatics tell me what sets this place apart for them?

For me, I think it's the real chicken. I was raised in Florida where there are plenty of Chick Fil A's, so I have a memory as a kid going here for superior chicken nuggets vs the other chain's in the area.

It could also be that I'm a real sucker for the pickles on the sandwich, the hot fried chicken with a mix of ketchup and mayo and crispy waffle fries, hands down.

I took a trip to Houston earlier this year, I was very happy to see Chick-Fil-A and Sonic's everywhere, two things I had wanted to try since they were no where to be found in this area.
I have to say, both were major disappointments. I found the chicken sandwich to be bland and lifeless. Maybe if they open one here I'd give it a try but I wouldn't be in any big hurry.
Sonic's food was just normal fast food to me, nothing to make me venture out to try the new one around here....

I recently went to evansville indiana, and they have 3 chick fil a's down there! I am so jealous...
To me, Chik Fil A is simply the best FAST FOOD chicken sandwich, or chicken product you will find. I realize there is a lot of hype with this chain, and thus sometimes the hype can make the expectations a bit too high, but their breakfast chicken biscuits, chicken sandwich and even their chicken tenders are simply a great tasting quality FAST FOOD product, which is the key. If anyone knows of any other fast food chain that can produce chicken products as consistantly tasty as Chick Fil A, I'd love to know... The chicken here is moist, flavorful, and real, and the waffle fries are fresh and crispy. The prices for a fast food chain are acceptable and even the side items and the milkshakes are a notch better than most fast food chains. I think Chick Fil A to me, is to chicken sandwiches as In and out is to burgers, simply quality fresh fast food that is clearly tastier than their rivals.

I have posted previously in this thread about Chick-fil-a, and even though I think it is a superior chicken product than other fast food places, it just isn't anything special. It to me is akin to going to Del Taco (which the 6 year old loves) and because they do some things (onion and cilantro) on their carbon tacos makes them "somewhat" better than Taco Bell...but doesn't make me need to go there other than when it is really convenient. Which with my 6 year old usually means, he needs a bathroom or water. Not to disparage Chick-fil-a with faint praise, and it could be me as I am not a big fan of sweetened chicken, but to me it is not worth extra effort.

I will say however, that when I am within shouting distance of Jack-in-the-box (Cali trips usually), you will likely find me in the parking lot. I do have my weaknesses, sadly they include their tacos...even though I have been spoiled being in Chicago...but the nostalgia grips me and just have to go. Sorry to get off topic somewhat, just wanted to somewhat lessen the expectations of those with the Chick-fil-a "jones" hearing they could be here soon, as the reality won't fufill the ideal (in my opinion). I did just have Top-notch, so my satiety from that meal may make me somewhat jaded....but since it's about 12 blocks away...glad to have the opportunity to be jaded so easily.

For those Top-notch people out there...had the 1/4 pound burger with cheese/deluxe (which adds the best beef tallow fried fries...although I don't know where else you get fries done that way), with onion rings (delectable beer battered, the onion almost melting inside) and a chocolate shake. I will put that burger et al, up against any other...but I have never tried their chicken. So, I guess that should have gone to another thread...but if you're going to travel, and chick-fil-a is here....go to Top-notch.

Shaggywillis wrote:

Can the fanatics tell me what sets this place apart for them?

For me, I think it's the real chicken. I was raised in Florida where there are plenty of Chick Fil A's, so I have a memory as a kid going here for superior chicken nuggets vs the other chain's in the area.

It could also be that I'm a real sucker for the pickles on the sandwich, the hot fried chicken with a mix of ketchup and mayo and crispy waffle fries, hands down.

Funny thing for me, is that their BBQ sauce on their waffle fries is always what I specifically go for each time I'm at Chick-Fil-A, for whatever reason. I do realize that sauce has high fructose corn syrup, but for whatever reason I still often enough get that whenever I'm there! Their polynesian sauce is interesting once in a while to change things up, too.

Of course, my childhood memories of Chick-Fil-A are aided by how very lucky I was to have a Chick-Fil-A I could go to all the time, back during my brief 11/2 years at Illinois State University. Only negatives about that college dining hall location(wouldn't be surprised if this is the same at other colleges Chick-Fil-A food is served at) is that for whatever reason, you never could get their breakfast menu on it, and sadly no shakes either!

scanz wrote:For those Top-notch people out there...had the 1/4 pound burger with cheese/deluxe (which adds the best beef tallow fried fries...although I don't know where else you get fries done that way), with onion rings (delectable beer battered, the onion almost melting inside) and a chocolate shake. I will put that burger et al, up against any other...but I have never tried their chicken. So, I guess that should have gone to another thread...but if you're going to travel, and chick-fil-a is here....go to Top-notch.

You should postg about your burger experience in the Top Notch Thread

scanz wrote:For those Top-notch people out there...had the 1/4 pound burger with cheese/deluxe (which adds the best beef tallow fried fries...although I don't know where else you get fries done that way),

Portillo's uses beef tallow for their fries. The GM of the Addison location told a vegan lady right in front of me, and I cheered right in her face. In fact, you might as well ask every place you go to if they use beef tallow in their oil (I think I should too!), you might be surprised.

I went to Appleton last week, and stopped at Chick-Fil-A in Racine. All I ordered was a bunch of nuggets and waffle fries. Even if I had gone there in the morning, they don't open early enough to serve my beloved chicken biscuit sandwich. The nuggets were fresh and hot, but after I ate 12 of them, the aftertaste started to get to me. A really unpleasant, oily, too much salt taste that ruined the meal. The waffle fries suck. I never liked them at Chick-Fil-A and yet another reason why breakfast is better there - they serve the little hash browns which are WAY better. I know people like these waffle fries. So be it.

It's funny with me and biscuits. I never had one as a kid or a teen. But once I did, I really liked them, especially the buttery ones. Lately I've been on a chicken biscuit kick. Popeye's has a $1.50 chicken biscuit (a chicken finger sandwich) and when I go to KFC I'll make a sandwich with their new original recipe strips.

I have road trips to Green Bay, Minneapolis, and Bloomington, IL in the next 2 weeks. I can go to Racine again if I want (I won't). There are 2 in Bloomington, but only State Farm employees have access to them! Same thing in Minnesota - only University of Minnesota students have access! There a bunch of Chick-Fil-A's like that around.

Ram4 wrote:Portillo's uses beef tallow for their fries.

I just have trouble believing this (I believe you heard what you heard, I just don't believe the GM). I've never gotten that mouthfeel from Portillo's fries, the saturated animal fat goodness that is so prominent at Top Notch.

It may be another situation where they use a lot of vegetable oil and a very small amount of beef tallow for flavor, but it really tastes like straight up vegetable oil.

Now, either way, it's not vegan friendly -- and I bet they fry their polishes/hot dogs (on request) in the same oil, so even if they cut out whatever tallow they use, they'd still be bad.

But I'm not gonna tell my vegetarian boss, he loves those fries.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the taste, but the general manager HAD to tell her the truth. And he was a GM not a regular manager. Like I was saying, we should all start asking places if they use beef tallow and we might be surprised at who does and doesn't. I think I'll start a thread about it.

"Atlanta-based Chick-Fil-A has agreed to buy the site of a shuttered restaurant next to the Westfield Fox Valley Shopping Center in Aurora, where the company plans to tear down the existing structure to build a new restaurant with a drive-through."

More here...

Dang.
This is why Im moving back to ATL... no Chik Fil A in this city!!!!! Dang mane.
No, I think its the weather that drove me out.
I will reccommend to every LTH browser that if you ever find yourself in Hotlanta, dont pass up your chance to get a chick filet sandwich at Chik-Fil-A.
People in Atlanta need these things like most people need water: they die without them (or at least act very irratable).

THe original Chik Fil A in ATL also has amazing fried fruit pies of which you can read all about on Jennifer Zyman's wonderful atlanta food blog, blissfulglutton.com, here: http://blissfulglutton.blogspot.com/200 ... ss-is.html

Yall come back now....

Ghazi wrote:I still don't get it. I've been to this joint a few times in the south and recently in LA, and still don't get the wow factor. I've been getting the regular chicken sandwich and had the chicken biscuit breakfast sandwich, too, but i foudn it to be decent. Nothing more.

Can the fanatics tell me what sets this place apart for them? ( I feel like one of those guys staring at thos mindfunk optical illusion posters that everyone else can decipher except me!)

Its clearly a regional thing. Folks in the south like myself grew up on Chic Fil A. It was, when I was a kid, the far superior fast food option that McDonalds or BK or Hardees wasn't. The arrival of Chic Fil A also meant that your community had probably acquired a new mall since that's where most of the originals were located. The chicken came out hot and crisp with that little bit to pickle juice running through it. It was a treat for us that we didn't get every day.

Your reaction and that of others kind of reminds me of my first reaction to Italian Beef. I couldn't figure out what the buzz was all about the first time I tried one. Beef slow cooked in jus, sliced thin and served with peppers on a really tough roll. I grew to like it over time.

Yeah, I don't get the Chick-Fil-A either. I mean they are OK, although I thought it was kinda pricey for fast-food. I think it is not just a regional thing, but a generational thing also. When I was a kid, fast-food meant burgers. There were no such things as chicken nuggets or chicken strips or chicken tenders or even chicken sandwiches. Now, most kids are brought up on chicken McNugget happy meals. To me, fast-food chicken always seems overprocessed and artificially moist as if a brine full of hydrolyzed protein and tenderizers has been added (which I am sure it has).

When I was a kid, everybody wanted Coors Beer because you could only get it out west. Once it was available nationwide, we realized quickly that it pretty much sucked worse than (our local standby) Old Style. I wonder if the same thing will happen with Chick-Fil-A.

It's not just a regional fascination or some childhood memory. I'm from Chicago and absolutely love Chick-fil-A. It's a far different situation than the overhyped places like Krispy Kreme that tried to expand and failed miserably. One, they have managed the growth. Two, they have selectively expanded over the years and have been very successful in new markets, in addition to continuing to see great success in their established stores.

I get it that some people might not like it or don't see what the fuss is all about. But our whole family loves it and I really believe they will see lots of profits in the Chicago area.

It's definitely more than a regional thing. My wife (and her friends) are all from Louisville (and further southeast), and they've made quite a few converts of many of their Chicago counterparts. I know a few Chicago people that make the stop at a Chick-Fil-A a certifiable event for the roadtrip down South. Chick definitely has a cult following amongst members who joined without the nostalgic baggage that some culinary attachments are made of. Myself, I don't get it so much. They opened a Chick while we were living in Champaign, and it just didn't grab me. Nothing wrong with it, and it's definitely better than the crap you get at McDonald's and their ilk, but nothing to rave about. Me, I'm more of a Zaxby's guy. We just relocated south, and within a month of moving here, they opened up a Zaxby's fifteen minutes from out front door. Coincidence? I think not.

I am eager to try their offerings and glad they are going to be local!

During a trip to Lafayette, IN last weekend we had an east coaster along and I mentioned that this was one of the spots on our short list for lunch. He spoke of it very highly.

We ended up going to Triple XXX Restaurant where we had a counter just for our group. It was a great choice and a very good meal.

We did pass the Chick-Fil-A later in the day and almost had a second lunch.

I've said it before, I think Chick-Fil-A is even better at breakfast. I could eat the chicken biscuit all day, and the chick-n mini's are great too. I also think the hash browns are WAY better than their bland waffle fries they serve with lunch.

I had Zaxby's as well when I was in Charlotte, and I sure hope they make it up here, or their clone restaurant chain - Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers. Both menus are almost identical (same crinkle cut fries, texas toast, cole slaw, and the same dipping sauce), but Cane's fingers were bigger. I had it in Minneapolis last year. I like that they cook it to order.

But the chicken biscuit from Chick-Fil-A is the bomb! No frills, just great.