Quick-service restaurant chicken chain Chick-fil-A announced it was planning to take “additional time” before resuming dine-in service even though some states have begun easing restrictions put in place because of COVID-19.
“Safe service is our top priority,” the company said in a statement. “As some states begin to ease restrictions on the closure of local businesses, we are going to take additional time to review our operations and ensure we have necessary precautions in place to protect our guests and team members before we reopen our dining rooms.”
Chick-fil-A, a brand best known for its fried chicken sandwiches, closed its dining rooms in mid-March to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Drive-thru, takeout, delivery and mobile ordering options remained open at most locations.
The chain will also start selling Chicken Parmesan Meal Kits on May 4, a make-it-yourself kit featuring “pre-measured and ready-to-heat ingredients and an easy, step-by-step recipe that allows Chick-fil-A guests to have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.” The meal kit will be sold at select locations for $14.99.
COVID-19 restrictions ease
Restaurants in numerous states throughout the U.S. could reopen with some limitations starting on April 27. The move requires employees to have policies in place for limiting to 10 guests for every 500 square feet of space, the use of masks and other personal protective equipment, employee temperature checks, cleaning and disinfection in high-traffic areas, health monitoring for employees and a system for workforce contract tracing.
Thirty-seven percent of diners are extremely or very worried about getting sick from other customers if they eat a meal inside a restaurant, according to a nationwide survey from PR firm, Inspire PR Group and market research firm Illuminology.
Chick-fil-A has already implemented several safety measures to protect employees and customers, including outdoor handwashing stations and requiring staff members to wear company-supplied face masks. Earlier this week, the chain temporarily closed two Texas locations after 15 employees tested positive for the virus.
View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
Like what you just read? Sign up now for free to receive the Poultry Future Newsletter.
