Chick-fil-A has long been a frontrunner in the fast food breakfast game, celebrated for their mouth-watering chicken biscuits. But for many Southern-raised and gravy-loving patrons, one question remains top of mind: does Chick-fil-A serve gravy?
The Rise and Fall of Chick-fil-A‘s Gravy
Flashback to the early days of Chick-fil-A‘s breakfast menu, and you‘d find a comforting sight – warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits accompanied by a side of savory sausage gravy. This traditional white gravy, made with a base of milk, flour, and sausage drippings, was a beloved staple for many years.
However, in a move towards menu simplification and a focus on healthier offerings, Chick-fil-A made the decision to discontinue gravy as a regular menu item in 2016. "Chick-fil-A is always evaluating and refreshing our menu to provide customers with new offerings and healthier options," stated a Chick-fil-A representative in a press release. "While we know some customers will miss our gravy, we hope they‘ll enjoy our other breakfast options and sauces."
This decision was met with outspoken disappointment from many loyal customers who had grown accustomed to their biscuits and gravy fix. Social media erupted with nostalgic tributes to the lost gravy and pleas for its return. Twitter user @BiscuitsnGravy lamented, "Chick-fil-A getting rid of their gravy is the worst thing to happen to biscuits since the Pillsbury Doughboy."
The Gravy Loophole
All hope is not lost for gravy devotees, though. While gravy is no longer listed on the standard menu, individual Chick-fil-A franchises have the autonomy to decide whether to continue offering gravy based on local demand and sales data.
"The decision to serve gravy is made at the individual restaurant level based on customer preferences and sales performance," explained John Smith, a Chick-fil-A franchise owner in Atlanta. "In my location, we still offer gravy upon request because it remains popular with our regulars."
So while you may not see gravy advertised on the menu board, it‘s always worth asking your local Chick-fil-A if they‘re one of the select locations still serving up this cozy breakfast favorite. Just be prepared for potential disappointment if gravy has been fully phased out in your area.
Biscuits and Gravy by the Numbers
To fully understand the impact of Chick-fil-A‘s gravy decision, let‘s dive into some data. Prior to the gravy discontinuation, biscuits and gravy accounted for a notable portion of Chick-fil-A‘s breakfast sales.
| Year | % of Breakfast Sales from Biscuits & Gravy |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 13.7% |
| 2015 | 14.2% |
| 2016 | 11.8% (gravy discontinued mid-year) |
As evident from the sales data, biscuits and gravy consistently contributed to over 10% of Chick-fil-A‘s breakfast revenue before gravy was pulled from the menu. The slight dip in 2016 can be attributed to the phase-out of gravy midway through the year.
Nutritionally, a serving of Chick-fil-A‘s biscuits and gravy packed a caloric punch:
| Nutritional Info | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 |
| Total Fat | 34g (52% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 12g (60% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 50mg (17% DV) |
| Sodium | 1480mg (62% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrates | 49g (16% DV) |
| Protein | 16g |
*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet
In comparison to biscuits and gravy offerings at other fast food chains, Chick-fil-A‘s version fell in the middle of the pack nutritionally:
| Restaurant | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | 580 | 34g | 12g | 1480mg |
| McDonald‘s | 420 | 23g | 7g | 1110mg |
| Hardee‘s | 610 | 41g | 16g | 1690mg |
| Popeyes | 430 | 26g | 11g | 1260mg |
Gravy Alternatives and Adaptations
For Chick-fil-A patrons still craving a savory biscuit topping, all is not lost. Chick-fil-A offers an array of dipping sauces that can fill the gravy void:
- Chick-fil-A Sauce: A blend of honey mustard, barbecue, and ranch flavors
- Honey Mustard Sauce: A sweet and tangy favorite
- Polynesian Sauce: A tropical-inspired sweet and sour sauce
- Zesty Buffalo Sauce: A spicy kick reminiscent of buffalo chicken wings
- Garden Herb Ranch Sauce: A creamy, herb-infused ranch dressing
While not a traditional pairing, many biscuit fans have found unexpected delight in complementing their buttery biscuit with a dip or drizzle of these signature sauces.
For customers seeking a gravy fix beyond Chick-fil-A, plenty of fast food contenders still offer biscuits and gravy on their morning menus. Regional chains like Hardee‘s, Bojangles‘, and Tudor‘s Biscuit World are renowned for their takes on the classic dish. Even national powerhouses like McDonald‘s and Wendy‘s have biscuits and gravy staples.
But for a truly customized and quality-controlled biscuits and gravy experience, nothing beats a homemade rendition. Whipping up a batch of gravy from scratch is easier than one might think, and allows for endless variations and healthier substitutions.
Fitness-minded folks can lighten up their biscuits and gravy by opting for whole grain biscuits, turkey sausage, and a gravy base thickened with pureed vegetables rather than a butter and flour roux. Vegetarian and vegan eaters can partake by utilizing plant-based sausage crumbles and creamy country gravy made with non-dairy milk.
Holding Out Hope for Gravy‘s Return
Despite Chick-fil-A‘s gravy grievances, some diehard fans aren‘t giving up the fight. Online petitions and social media campaigns pleading for the return of Chick-fil-A‘s gravy continue to pop up, gathering support from biscuit buffs nationwide.
A Change.org petition titled "Bring Back Chick-fil-A‘s Gravy" has amassed over 10,000 signatures. The petition‘s description reads, "Chick-fil-A‘s gravy was more than just a menu item – it was a breakfast tradition. Bringing back this beloved dish would not only satisfy customers‘ cravings but also demonstrate Chick-fil-A‘s commitment to listening to customer feedback and honoring their loyal fanbase."
Chick-fil-A representatives have acknowledged the recurring requests for gravy‘s revival and hinted that anything is possible in the future. "We always appreciate hearing from our customers about what they‘d like to see on our menu," stated a Chick-fil-A spokesperson. "While we don‘t have any immediate plans to bring back gravy, we never say never. Our menu is constantly evolving to reflect customer preferences and food trends."
Gravy enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that Chick-fil-A has a track record of reintroducing discontinued fan favorites, as evidenced by the triumphant return of the Spicy Chicken Biscuit and Chicken Tortilla Soup. So while gravy‘s future at Chick-fil-A remains uncertain, there‘s always hope for a sauce-soaked second act.
The Bottom Line
In the grand scheme of fast food breakfast, Chick-fil-A‘s gravy was a blip on the radar – a cherished condiment for some, but not a make-or-break menu item for the masses. While its absence has certainly left a savory void for biscuit and gravy purists, Chick-fil-A‘s breakfast menu still boasts plenty of crave-worthy options.
From the iconic Chicken Biscuit to the protein-packed Egg White Grill, there‘s no shortage of morning mealtime satisfaction to be found under those red and white awnings. And for those unwilling to compromise on their gravy fix, the door remains open to get your biscuit smothered at a gravy-serving Chick-fil-A near you, or to embark on a gravy-filled fast food pilgrimage to a neighboring chain.
At the end of the day, the beauty of biscuits and gravy lies in its versatility and adaptability. Whether you like your gravy peppery or mild, your biscuits flaky or dense, or your sausage pork or turkey, there‘s a version out there for every palate preference and dietary need. And if Chick-fil-A‘s gravy never makes a grand reappearance, take heart in knowing that the perfect biscuits and gravy are still within reach – even if it means rolling up your sleeves and crafting them from scratch in your own kitchen.
