Chick-Fil-A is one of the most popular fast-food restaurants in the country with more than 2,400 locations in 47 states (and Washington D.C.). It has been the highest-rated restaurant for eight years in a row, according to the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) – which isn’t an easy thing to do.
With that said, it comes as no surprise that Chick-Fil-A is subject to some intense reactions from fans of the chain whenever changes are made to the menu and/or rewards program. Unfortunately for those that frequent the restaurant, changes are being made to both the rewards and menu in the coming weeks.
For starters, the restaurant is removing a fan-favorite item off their menu – the side salad – starting on April 3. According to their website, the side salad features ‘a fresh bed of mixed greens, topped with a blend of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses and grape tomatoes,’ that’s prepared daily.
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Chick-Fil-A guests are being warned about the change – in the form of a flier – whenever they order a side salad. The flier reads ‘A Fond Farewell’ above an image of the salad in a bowl. “Spring is here and we are taking the opportunity to refresh our menu,” it reads – calling the decision a ‘hard choice.’
“We’re always innovating to find your next favorite menu item and excited to let you know that we’re working on some new menu items for you to enjoy,” the flier continues. The news was confirmed by a Chick-Fil-A representative, according to TODAY – adding that April 2 will be its last day on the menu.
Not only that, but the restaurant is making several changes to its rewards program – which is home to more than 50 million members across the country. One of the changes that’s receiving the most attention is a points increase on most menu items – meaning it’ll take more points to redeem your favorite items.
Those changes will be made on April 4, giving fans an opportunity to use their points in the coming weeks before those costs increase. With that said, the membership tiers won’t be changing and they will be adding the ability to redeem a meal for points – consisting of an entree, beverage, and side dish.
“The decision was part of a regular evaluation process that considers different market conditions and costs to our business. As a result, on April 4, some of the point values required to redeem certain rewards will increase. We are confident our Chick-fil-A One membership program will continue to deliver great value to our guests,” the representative said.
Regular Chick-Fil-A Guests Are ‘Torn’ Over the Recent News
As expected, the recent news coming from Chick-Fil-A has resulted in a lot of disappointed guests – who often pair the side salad with an order of chicken nuggets. Many have taken to social media to announce their displeasure with the decision, though they don’t appear to be giving up on the restaurant as a whole.
“My friends were making fun of me yesterday cause I’m upset they taking away the Chick-Fil-A side salad. Like tbh they low key got a really good side salad especially for the cost,” said one user on Twitter. Another user said the decision ‘breaks my heart,’ while another user was ‘torn’ over the removal.
On Reddit, there’s a whole topic dedicated to the announcement – titled ‘RIP Side Salad.’ Many users commended the side salad for its affordable cost, generous amount, and ability to pair it with pretty much anything on the menu. Others likened it to their removal of the coleslaw side, which happened in 2016.
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Nonetheless, the side salad’s farewell tour is as real as it gets. Don’t worry, they do still have a ‘Kale Crunch Side’ that isn’t going anywhere, as well as several salads available as an entree – including the Cobb Salad, Spicy Southwest Salad, and Market Salad. For now, get the side salad while you still can!
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