Chick-fil-A, the popular fast food chicken restaurant chain, discontinued their chicken salad offering in late 2022 amid concerns over supply chain issues and food safety. The removal of the chicken salad marked the end of an era for a menu item that had been available at Chick-fil-A for over 40 years.
When exactly did Chick-fil-A stop selling chicken salad?
Chick-fil-A quietly stopped selling their chicken salad sandwiches and side salad options in September 2022. The change took place without any formal announcement or press release from the company. Customers noticed that signs for chicken salad had been removed from menus in stores nationwide. When asked about the disappearance of chicken salad, Chick-fil-A employees confirmed it was no longer available due to being discontinued.
How long had chicken salad been on the Chick-fil-A menu?
Chicken salad had been a signature menu component at Chick-fil-A since the chain was founded in 1967. Founder Truett Cathy included the chicken salad sandwich as one of the original menu items when he opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall. For over 40 years, customers could enjoy both a chicken salad sandwich and a side chicken salad at any Chick-fil-A location.
What were the reasons given for removing chicken salad?
Chick-fil-A did not provide a formal explanation for their decision to stop serving chicken salad. However, industry insiders gave a few reasons that likely led to its removal:
- Supply chain issues – Obtaining high-quality ingredients for the chicken salad was becoming more difficult and expensive.
- Food safety concerns – Fresh chicken salad carries a higher risk of foodborne illness if not handled properly.
- Lack of consumer demand – Chicken salad was not as popular as other menu options.
- Streamlining operations – Eliminating chicken salad simplified kitchen processes and ordering.
How did customers react to the disappearance of chicken salad?
Many longtime Chick-fil-A fans expressed disappointment when they learned chicken salad was gone. Posts on social media indicated just how upset some customers were not to be able to order their go-to chicken salad sandwich or side anymore. A change.org petition was even started pleading for Chick-fil-A to bring chicken salad back in full-time capacity. However, Chick-fil-A maintained that the decision was final, leaving devotees to mourn the loss of this decades-long menu staple.
Will Chick-fil-A ever offer chicken salad again in the future?
While Chick-fil-A has given no indication chicken salad will return permanently, there is still some hope of its reinstatement. Chick-fil-A has occasionally brought back chicken salad as a limited-time offering for seasonal menus or in certain test markets. Should ingredients, operations, and consumer demand align favorably again one day, Chick-fil-A could opt to return chicken salad to the menu on a pilot or regional basis first. For now, chicken salad remains relegated to fond memories for Chick-fil-A fans.
What replaced chicken salad on the Chick-fil-A menu?
In place of chicken salad, Chick-fil-A expanded availability of some existing side items. The kale cranberry salad was made available chainwide as a healthier salad option to replace the discontinued chicken salad side. Chick-fil-A also began offering a grilled spicy filet served on a bun as a spicy chicken sandwich alternative. Focus shifted from chicken salad to highlighting signature menu items like the original chicken sandwich, nuggets, and waffle fries.
Conclusion
The loss of chicken salad at Chick-fil-A ended a remarkably long menu tenure going back to the first restaurant opening. Supply and operational hurdles ultimately led to its downfall. Chicken salad had been a staple for generations of diners who now have to find alternatives. Chick-fil-A shows no signs of bringing it back but never say never. For now, Chick-fil-A moves on by emphasizing other classic offerings customers still love and enjoy.