My Guilty Pleasure

When I wake up Sunday morning extremely hungry and slightly hung over, the first thing I want is breakfast. I have my heart set on Chick-Fil-A’s chicken biscuit, but then it dawns on me that Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sunday. Why do you always want what you can’t have? My love for the Atlanta-based restaurant knows no end. I have gone to such extremes as buying multiple chicken biscuits on Saturday and leaving them in my refrigerator just so I will be able to have a chicken biscuit on Sunday. Chicken biscuits have become a staple in my diet. The soft buttery biscuit contains a perfect ratio of biscuit to chicken. When I unwrap the silver foil with red writing, not only do I know my taste buds are going to experience pure bliss, but I know nothing at that moment can be more enjoyable than my guilty pleasure, the chicken biscuit.

This past summer I interned in Connecticut where the closest public Chick-Fil-A was two states away. It blew my mind that many northerners have not even heard of Chick-Fil-A. I thought the chicken biscuit was universal. Not being able to access Chick-Fil-A just made me want it even more. I was definitely exhibiting signs of addiction and withdrawals. Unfortunately, there were no Chicken Biscuit Anonymous meetings I could attend, or perhaps they are very exclusive about who they let in. Those two months were nearly almost impossible to get through. I had to settle for less than average chicken biscuits at other fast food restaurants like Zaxby’s and McDonalds. Not only were their breakfast items greasy and mediocre, the service and employees were not what I was used to. These fast food restaurants are similar to a NASCAR race. They try to see how fast they can get you in and out and on your way while providing less than average and inconsistent service. How many times have you left a drive through and opened your bag to be disappointed with a wrong order, missing straw, or an item missing all together?

What makes these biscuits so wholesome and delicious?  Maybe it could be the flakey buttered golden biscuits or the juicy, white meat chicken. The biscuit is a perfect blend of flour and butter. It is just the right combination of firm but moist so that it does not crumble when you are handling it. When the savory southern style chicken compliments the golden biscuit, it becomes irresistible. When I unwrap my biscuit you would think I haven’t eaten in weeks because of how fast I devour it. Sometimes I forget to breath in between bites, and it is not a pretty sight. For the perfect mix of salty and sweet I recommend ordering a cup of coffee with your biscuit.

Chick-Fil-A brings people together. When my cousin was living in New York City and attending NYU, she had access to the only Chick-Fil-A in the area. She had also moved up to the city without knowing anyone else in the city. A friend introduced her to another New Yorker, who became extremely enthused when she found out my cousin had access to the Chick-Fil-A. The two of them went there together on one of their first dates, and they’ve been together for over two years now!

Chick-Fil-A is an overall quality experience. Their service is just as high of quality as their food. One morning I was in the drive through and ordered my usual number one with black coffee. When I pulled up to the window I realized I didn’t have my wallet. I was so embarrassed that I had to ask them to hold my sandwich for me while I ran home to grab my wallet. The employee at the window explained that it was their policy that if a customer forgets their wallet or if they are slow providing the customer their food it was on them. I was taken with their kindness and understanding. This was just a reminder of their exceptional commitment to their customers. Another tactic they use to provide excellent customer service is at the end of every transaction you hear, “My Pleasure” instead of “You’re Welcome”. This week I spent writing about the chicken biscuit, Chick-Fil-A was giving out free breakfast for an entire week. I have never heard of any other fast food restaurant giving their customers free food. Above all, the quality of service makes Chick-Fil-A more than a positive experience.

There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to craving Chick-Fil-A on Sunday. I can sleep well at night knowing that I share this guilty pleasure with other self proclaimed Chic-Fil-A addicts. The only thing disappointing about the Chick-Fila chicken biscuit is that it has to end.