Chick-fil-A is more than just a fast-food chain – it‘s a cultural phenomenon known for its crave-worthy chicken sandwiches, infectious customer service, and deep-rooted values. Founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946, the family-owned company now spans more than 2,600 restaurants in 47 states, generating over $11 billion in annual revenue. While much of Chick-fil-A‘s success is attributed to its friendly front-of-house staff, it‘s the hardworking crew in the back of house (BOH) who truly keep the business running.
What Goes On Behind the Scenes at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A‘s back of house is a well-oiled machine, with each team member playing a crucial role in preparing the chain‘s signature menu items quickly, safely and deliciously. The heart of the operation is the kitchen, which is typically divided into several stations:
Prep Station: This is where the magic begins. Team members measure and mix ingredients, marinate and bread chicken, chop fresh produce, and portion out sauces and toppings. Attention to detail is paramount, as every item must meet Chick-fil-A‘s exacting standards for taste and quality.
Fry Station: Frying is an art and a science at Chick-fil-A. Cooks must carefully monitor oil temperatures, filtration, and cook times to achieve the perfect crispy, juicy chicken every time. They also prepare fried favorites like waffle fries, hash browns, and Chick-n-Strips.
Grill Station: Grilled chicken is a healthier option that‘s just as popular as the fried classics. Grill masters use a proprietary blend of seasonings and cooking techniques to create tender, flavorful filets for sandwiches, wraps and salads. They also toast buns to golden perfection.
Assembly Station: When an order comes in via the front counter, drive-thru or mobile app, the assembler springs into action, gathering all the components and packaging them neatly in bags or on trays. Accuracy, speed and presentation are key to ensuring guest satisfaction.
Washing Station: With so much cooking equipment, utensils and serveware in constant use, the dishwashing team is the unsung hero of the BOH. They keep things spotless and sanitary, and support other stations by restocking items and pitching in as needed.
Beyond the kitchen, BOH team members also handle essential tasks like receiving inventory, rotating stock, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in storage areas. It‘s a constant hustle to keep up with the demand, but Chick-fil-A‘s culture of teamwork and mutual support keeps things running smoothly.
By the Numbers: Chick-fil-A‘s Booming Back of House
Chick-fil-A‘s meteoric growth in recent years is a testament to the strength of its BOH operations. Here are some notable facts and figures:
- Chick-fil-A serves more than 4 million guests per day
- The average Chick-fil-A restaurant generates $4.5 million in annual sales, triple the industry average
- Chick-fil-A has reported sales growth every year since its founding, even through recessions and a pandemic
- The chain plans to open 120+ new restaurants and remodel 200+ existing ones in 2022 alone
- Chick-fil-A receives over 60,000 franchise inquiries per year, but only accepts 0.4% of applicants
- More than 50% of Chick-fil-A franchise owners started as team members or managers
- Chick-fil-A employs over 120,000 people nationwide, mostly in hourly BOH and FOH roles
- The chain anticipates creating 15,000 new jobs in 2022, including many BOH positions
These impressive numbers underscore the massive behind-the-scenes effort required to sustain Chick-fil-A‘s industry dominance. Each new restaurant brings dozens of fresh BOH job openings, while existing locations are always hiring to keep up with turnover and growth.
What Sets Chick-fil-A‘s Back of House Apart?
Having studied the fast-food industry for decades, I‘ve seen countless chains come and go. Chick-fil-A stands out not just for its delicious food, but for its uncompromising commitment to quality, service, and values. These differentiators start in the back of house and permeate every aspect of the business.
Quality Ingredients: Chick-fil-A sources premium ingredients and prepares them fresh daily in each restaurant. The chain uses only 100% pure breast meat chicken with no fillers, additives or preservatives. Produce is sliced by hand and salads are made from scratch. Even the lemonade is freshly squeezed. This attention to quality puts pressure on the BOH to uphold meticulous standards.
Consistency: With a limited menu and exacting specifications, Chick-fil-A BOH teams can focus on executing each item flawlessly every time. Breading is weighed to the gram, fries are cooked for an exact time at a precise temperature, and buns are toasted for 18 seconds. Guests know that their favorite sandwich will taste the same in Seattle as it does in Savannah.
Speed and Accuracy: QSR Magazine ranked Chick-fil-A as the most accurate drive-thru experience, with a 96% accuracy rate. The chain also has the fastest drive-thru, with an average service time of 323 seconds, nearly a minute quicker than the industry average. To achieve this speed without sacrificing accuracy, BOH teams must be laser-focused and work in perfect sync.
Cleanliness: Chick-fil-A restaurants are consistently rated as the cleanest in fast food, outshining competitors in dining room hygiene as well as back-of-house sanitation. BOH team members follow strict protocols for handwashing, food storage, cooking temperatures and equipment cleaning. Health inspectors routinely give Chick-fil-A top marks.
Culture and Values: Chick-fil-A‘s success is rooted in its strong culture, which emphasizes excellence, integrity, hospitality and stewardship. These values are modeled and instilled by leaders, starting in the back of house. Team members are treated with respect and empowered to solve problems. The company also believes in giving back, donating millions to charitable causes and offering scholarships to employees.
Career Growth: While many fast-food jobs are seen as dead-end gigs, Chick-fil-A views its BOH positions as launchpads for long-term careers. Onsite training, tuition assistance, and promotions to supervisor and management roles are available to motivated team members. Some BOH stars even go on to become franchise owners.
"What I love about Chick-fil-A is that they truly care about your personal and professional development," says Luis R., a former back of house team member who now owns three Chick-fil-A franchises. "I started out breading chicken and washing dishes, but my managers saw my potential and nurtured my leadership skills. Now I get to pay that forward with my own team."
By investing in its people, Chick-fil-A creates a BOH environment that feels more like a family than a job. This positive culture is palpable to guests and keeps them coming back for more.
The Future of Chick-fil-A‘s Back of House
As Chick-fil-A continues to grow and evolve, so too will its back of house operations. The chain is embracing technology to streamline processes and improve the guest experience. For example, Chick-fil-A‘s mobile app now accounts for over 20% of sales, which has shifted some volume from the front counter to the kitchen.
To keep up with this digital demand, some restaurants are adding second make lines dedicated to mobile and delivery orders. BOH teams are also using tablets to manage inventory, track food safety, and access training materials. Robotics and automation may play a larger role in the future, but Chick-fil-A insists that technology will supplement, not replace, human team members.
The chain is also doubling down on its commitment to sustainability, which impacts BOH jobs. Chick-fil-A is working towards a goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2025, which means more focus on recycling, composting, and reducing single-use packaging. BOH teams are at the forefront of these efforts.
Despite these changes, the core of Chick-fil-A‘s back of house will remain its people. The chain plans to continue investing in wages, benefits, training and career development to attract and retain top talent. With turnover rates far lower than the industry average, it appears to be working.
Is a Chick-fil-A Back of House Job Right for You?
If you‘re looking for a fast-paced, rewarding job with opportunities for growth, a Chick-fil-A BOH position may be a great fit. The work is challenging but fulfilling, and you‘ll be part of a winning team that feels like family. To succeed, you‘ll need to bring your A-game every shift:
- Hustle and stamina to keep up with the volume
- Precision and consistency to meet Chick-fil-A‘s high standards
- Positive attitude and teamwork to create a great culture
- Integrity and honesty to uphold Chick-fil-A‘s values
- Coachability and hunger to learn and grow
"Working back of house at Chick-fil-A is not just a job, it‘s an opportunity," says Stephanie K., a BOH director. "Yes, it‘s hard work, but it‘s also incredibly fun and rewarding. You‘re part of something bigger than yourself – a team that‘s making a difference in people‘s lives through great food and genuine hospitality."
If that sounds like your cup of tea (or sweet iced tea), head to Chick-fil-A‘s careers page to find BOH openings near you. With competitive pay, delicious benefits, and a culture that can‘t be beat, Chick-fil-A just might be the secret sauce your career needs.