CAMMIE BAGLEY/ Executive Director

“Eat Mor Chicken.” I can almost bet that every person reading this knows this slogan and who it represents. If you don’t, I’m highly disappointed and slightly confused as to why not. However, for those who are in the dark, this is the slogan for the fast food chain, Chick-fil-A.

I don’t know about you, but I have a deep emotional connection to this place. OK, that may be dramatic, but it really is one of my all-time favorite places to eat. My go to order is the chicken nugget meal with sweet tea, Polynesian sauce and Chick-fil-A sauce. Depending on what kind of day I’m having is usually what determines if I go for the eight or 12-count meal. As far as breakfast goes, I like to switch it up depending on my mood, so I’ll either go for a traditional chicken biscuit, chicken minis or even a chicken, egg and cheese bagel.

The food is the most obvious reason as to why I love going to Chick-fil-A. Their chicken is so delicious and their waffle fries are to die for. But, it’s not just about how good the food is. This company has created such a popular and trusted brand identity, that as a customer, you genuinely feel valued when you visit their stores.

The founder of this chain, Truett Cathy, created the chicken sandwich in 1964, after years of experimenting at the Dwarf Grille in Hapeville, Georgia, according to the Chick-fil-A website. Since then, he has grown his business into one that is known for caring about communities across 46 states.

Chick-fil-A has implemented some of the most iconic marketing strategies, including the cows, being closed on Sundays and the use of fresh ingredients in their products. Their headquarters are located outside of downtown Atlanta and they even offer guided tours. But most importantly, their employees are always polite, always helpful and always considerate. Every time you thank them, they never fail to respond back with, “My pleasure.” Who wouldn’t want to eat at a place with employees whose manners are that impeccable?

Now, I know not everyone is as loyal to Chick-fil-A as I am, but even if you don’t enjoy their food, I think we can all agree that more places should treat people the way that Chick-fil-A employees treat their customers. If more people had a servant’s heart and a “my pleasure” kind of attitude, I think this world would be in a much better place than it is right now.

So even if you never eat a Chick-fil-A nugget in your life (which I’m not encouraging), I at least urge you to treat others with the kindness that people like Truett Cathy did and continues to do through his legacy. In his own words, “Nearly every moment of every day we have the opportunity to give something to someone else- our time, our love, our resources. I have always found more joy in giving when I did not expect anything in return.”