Restaurant Review: Chick-fil-A Comes to 'Burg

"Eat Mor Chikin," the cow-toted sign proclaims above the newly opened Chick-fil-A restaurant in Harrisonburg.

In the morning sun of Thursday, Jan. 26, a line of 100 die-hard chicken fans finally entered the long-awaited Chick-fil-A. After starting the queue at 5:00 the night before, the first customers to the new store were amply rewarded for their feat of loyalty. Before opening day, Chick-fil-A announced that the first 100 customers into the store on opening day would receive a free Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich combo meal every week for the next year. Chick-fil-A employees reported that when the line was allowed to begin, at 5:00, it was filled to its 100 person limit in no time at all. Even more people were turned away from the line because capacity had been reached so quickly.

A well-publicized opening of the restaurant has led to an almost cult-like following. "Its cool that Harrisonburg is expanding its restaurant choices by adding a Chick-fil-A, its something every city needs!" Susannah Wirick replied when asked about the opening restaurant. Business boomed and the store bustled as the first few days of sales began. The first thing one notices upon arrival is the busy parking lot. Cars wrap themselves around the store in order to stay in the drive-through line. The drive-through line moves amazingly fast for the amount of business the store receives. Inside the store, things are very similar. Lines stretch back from the counters, full of patiently waiting customers. A mix of college students, parents with small children, and older adults make for an interesting group and surprisingly docile group. Through the bustle of people moving about the store, there is still an air of patience about the waiting customers, unlike many similar fast-food restaurants. Is this a "new restaurant" phenomenon or a wonderful effect that Chick-fil-A instills on customers?

Ordering goes quickly and the food is brought within minutes of ordering. There is no lack of employees behind the counter, making for an efficient work place. Freshman Kyle Wertman stated after a meal at Chick-fil-A, "The Chick-fil-A experience is so amazing. It makes me want to be a better person. The chicken and service both left me fully satisfied." Communication between staff and customers goes so smoothly one wonders how other fast food restaurants manage to get orders straight. In the 30 minutes I was there, I never once noticed a disgruntled customer leaving the counter, or someone returning their order with a look of unsatisfied disgust.

The classic Chick-fil-A Sandwich with Chick-fil-A's well-known waffle fries makes for an excellent meal for a first-time customer. But the sandwiches are easily outdone by the fantastic chicken strips. A delicious Honey Mustard Barbeque Sauce (interesting combination) compliments any food the store can serve up. The only thing these meals are missing is a milkshake, but fear not, because within the next few weeks Chick-fil-A will be filling milkshake orders as well. Delicious food and a busy but smooth atmosphere make Chick-fil-A an excellent place for a well-worth-it $5 meal.