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Chick-fil-A, one of America’s most popular fast-food restaurant chains, has reportedly announced its decision to remove a guest-favorite food item from its menu, meaning that while fans are encouraged to “eat more chicken,” there’s one menu item that they might not be able to eat at all. So, when and why was the decision made, and when will the change take effect?
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Credit: Chick-fil-A
The Wild Success of a Chicken-Centric Fast-Food Chain
The story of Chick-fil-A’s success is an impressive one. Per Chick-fil-A’s website, the chain began as a tiny diner, and it wasn’t initially called Chick-fil-A:
In 1946, S. Truett Cathy opened a tiny diner called the Dwarf Grill (now known as The Dwarf House restaurant) in Hapeville, Georgia. It was in this diner where Truett developed the signature original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and the quality service for which the family-owned business is known.
The very first Chick-fil-A restaurant wasn’t called Chick-fil-A/Credit: Chick-fil-A
The family-owned business has grown well beyond its roots in Atlanta and is now delivering its signature brand of service and food to guests in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico. After pioneering the concept of restaurants in shopping malls, opening its first mall location in 1967, the first standalone restaurant was opened in 1986.
Today, there are more than 3,000 restaurants in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Chick-fil-A also operates restaurants in Canada and has previously operated in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Unsurprisingly, Texas has the highest number of Chick-fil-A restaurants of any state in the union, with more than 450 locations across the Lone Star State.
Credit: Chick-fil-A
The brand’s dedication to leadership, service with a warm smile (and the signature “My pleasure” mindset from team members), and investment into the communities in which Chick-fil-A restaurants are located have given rise to the chain’s popularity, making it the #3 fast-food chain in the U.S., ahead of competitors like Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Zaxby’s, In-and-Out Burger, Hardee’s, and Arby’s.
Related: Pick a Side: McDonald’s vs. Casey’s Corner at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
But for all its popularity and success, Chick-fil-A is rumored to be ditching its most popular menu item.
News About Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries Ruffles Some Feathers
An online video that was posted on TikTok on July 20 has struck fear in the hearts of Chick-fil-A’s most dedicated and loyal fans. The video posted by Briana Solano, which received more than 3.2 million views in a matter of days, alleges that the chicken-centric fast food chain is gearing up to rid its menu of nearly everyone’s favorite: its signature waffle fries.
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Credit: Chick-fil-A
It’s amazing what much of the general public will take as the truth–simply because they saw it on a social media platform.
Solano later posted another video debunking her previous claims, but the damage was already done, and a widespread rumor had been ignited like wildfire. Soon, other TikTok users jumped on the waffle fry debacle.
As of the time of this post, both videos have been taken down.
So, why would someone make such claims?
Yes, Changes Are Taking Place With Chick-fil-A’s Fan-Favorite Fries
Though the chain is not planning to remove its famous fries, Chick-fil-A has begun testing new waffle fry recipes.
Credit: Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A’s website has offered to clear up some of the confusion about the rumored removal of the chain’s famous waffle fries and to explain the reasoning behind the decision to test new waffle fry recipes.
For a limited time, Chick-fil-A is testing a refreshed Waffle Fry recipe at select U.S. restaurants. This recipe change is part of a test to maintain the same great flavor guests have come to love, with one change–making our Waffle Fries crispier!
Our new Waffle Fry recipe uses a blend of starches that increases the crispiness of our fries. Please check online or in the Chick-fil-A app to view your local restaurant’s menu and see a full list of ingredients for menu items at that specific location.
Credit: Chick-fil-A/Canva
The chain has yet to make a final decision about the recipe.
Here’s What You Don’t Know About Chick-fil-A’s Famous Fries
Though waffle fries are among the most popular menu items at Chick-fil-A, many fans of the chicken-centric fast food chain know very little about the fries and what sets them apart from offerings from Chick-fil-A’s competitors.
Related: Here’s How to Make Chick-fil-A Sauce Right In Your Own Kitchen
Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are made from Lamb Weston potatoes grown by a Washington State family on a farm in Idaho, and it’s been that way since 1981. Then, Chick-fil-A works its magic with the potatoes, turning them into its most beloved menu item.
What might surprise fans is that the chain’s waffle fries contain as much as 11 grams of sugar, a significant amount when you consider that Burger King’s fries only have about 1.5 grams of sugar.
Credit: Chick-fil-A/Canva
In 2017, Chick-fil-A waffle fries were named the #1 fast food menu item in America, and it doesn’t look like the general public has had any beef with the iconic fries recently. (Pun intended.) So it’s easy to see why Chick-fil-A wouldn’t likely consider ditching such a popular food item.
