By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Chick-fil-A is finally open as of this morning in Hays.
The owner-operator Brett Pennell said he is excited to serve the people of Hays.
Pennell might have worn a suit on Wednesday as he made last-minute preparations for today's opening, but he said he will be on the floor serving chicken today.
Pennell started with Chick-fil-A nine years ago with the goal of eventually being an owner-operator.
He said he started at the bottom, serving chicken and learning all aspects of the business before moving into management.
He and his wife were chosen for the Hays store and recently moved with their children, ages 2 and 4, to Hays.
“For us, the decision to move from South Carolina to here was simple. Our ambition was always to be in a small town. So I came from a very small town in northeast North Carolina, one blinking stoplight, and that was it. A gas station and a pizza was our restaurant,” he said.
Pennell discussed Chick-fil-A’s high standards not only for its food but in its staff and culture.
“We don't waver on those standards. Our attention is to detail and intentionality behind finding the right people, finding the right fit, and then holding accountability within that,” he said.
“We make sure our standards are upheld because whatever happens across Chick-fil-A Hays is affecting the brand as a whole. So it is our responsibility … it's a very weighty responsibility on my shoulders, and now the team's responsibility to make sure that is transferred here because we are doing it on behalf of the brand. And every operator, all 2,700 operators, are with the same mindset as that.”
He said Chick-fil-A’s concentration on customer service is very intentional.
The Hays Chick-fil-A has hired about 100 employees and spent weeks training them.
“We are intentionally putting time, resources, all that to make sure the team is equipped for success, so that they feel comfortable in it and that the people who have their first interaction with the brand or return people who have experience still get that same great experience,” Pennell said.
Menu
Pennell highlighted some standard menu items, including chicken sandwiches and strips. In addition to the breaded options, the restaurant offers grilled chicken and salads topped with chicken.
The chain rotates limited-time offers like chicken and waffles, which you can order for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
And don’t forget the dessert, including cones and shakes. The s’mores shake is at Chick-fil-A for a limited time.
Chick-fil-A also serves breakfast.
You can purchase chicken all day, but it also offers sausage, egg, bacon and cheese muffins.
“We have things like chicken minis,” Pennell said, “which are honey butter breaded and come in a pack of four or 10. It's a great option for anybody, but especially the kids if they're looking for something to snack on in the car while they're riding.”
And then, there’s the sauces. The restaurant has a special Chick-fil-A sauce, but you can also choose from Polynesian, Garden Herb Ranch, Barbeque, Honey Mustard, Zesty Buffalo, Sweet & Spicy Sriracha and Honey Roasted BBQ.
Giving back to staff, community
Chick-fil-A has a nationwide scholarship program for staff members.
“There are opportunities from everything from $2,500 a year to a select 13 across the company who get larger amounts. So it's just a way of us to give back to our team members who serve on a daily basis,” Pennell said.
The Hays restaurant will also participate in the company’s Share Table program.
“It's where the leftover remains from the day of servicing do not go to waste. We make sure it gets in the hands of people who need it,” Pennell said.
More than 50 million meals have been provided to the needy through the Chick-fil-A brand.
Grand opening
The Hays grand opening is today.
Hays Chick-fil-A will be open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They will be open regular hours until 10 tonight.
If you wear black-and-white cow print like the chain mascot, you are eligible for a free entree today only. See more details here.
“I just wanted [the community] to know how excited I am, how excited the team is. Like as excited as the community is, we internally are equally as excited. We can't wait to introduce people who haven't experienced [Chick-fil-A].”
Hiring
Pennell said the store is still hiring, including full-time positions with benefits. There is a QR code on a board outside of the store or you can go to chick-fil-a.com and search careers.