Chick-fil-A may not operate globally, but its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and signature sauce have proven powerful enough to keep customers lining up and even international visitors eager to experience it firsthand.
With an emphasis on Southern hospitality and the iconic “My Pleasure” phrase, which remains uncommon among quick-service restaurants, the chain has built a level of customer loyalty that few can match.
That loyalty has helped Chick-fil-A grow even as economic uncertainty and rising food prices push consumers to be more selective with their spending. More households are choosing to cook at home more often than eating out, creating headwinds for the restaurant industry as a whole.
Overall traffic in the food service industry fell 1% in the quarter ending June 2025, according to Circana. This slowdown has forced many fast-food chains to look for new ways to keep customers engaged and strengthen brand loyalty.
However, Chick-fil-A seems unfazed by those pressures. For the eleventh year in a row, the chain has been named the top quick-service restaurant in the American Customer Satisfaction Index 2025 Restaurant and Food Delivery Study, receiving a steady score of 83.
Now that 2026 has begun, the company is leaning into that momentum by bringing back seasonal favorites and surprising fans with several unexpected innovations.
For a limited time, Chick-fil-A is testing two new chicken sandwiches that can be ordered six different ways: the Avocado Sriracha BLT Sandwich and the Sweet Chili Lime Crunch Sandwich, each available in original, spicy, and grilled versions.
The Avocado Sriracha BLT sandwich features lettuce, tomato, seasoned avocado mash, and strips of hardwood-smoked bacon, all served between Sriracha swirl toast and topped with cayenne ranch sauce.
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These sandwiches are currently being tested in Oklahoma City through March 7. This is the second phase of testing for the items after a previous limited release in Georgia by the end of 2025.
The Sweet Chili Lime Crunch Sandwich features ginger lime cool crunch, kale, cabbage, and a creamy ginger-lime dressing, drizzled with spicy sweet chili sauce and served on a crusty buttered white bun.
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These sandwiches are currently being tested in three North Carolina cities, including Greensboro, High Point, and Winston-Salem, through March 7, or while supplies last.
Customers are encouraged to check the Chick-fil-A app or contact their local restaurant to confirm participation and availability using the store locator.
Chick-fil-A tests six new sandwiches and unveils its 2026 Valentine’s Day menu. Shutterstock ·Shutterstock
For customers outside the test market, Chick-fil-A has launched its seasonal Valentine’s Day menu, which includes five heart-shaped tray options and heart-shaped breakfast items, according to a company press release.
Additionally, Chick-fil-A is offering heart-shaped biscuits, available exclusively during breakfast hours around Valentine’s Day.
All heart-shaped trays are available now through February 14 and can be ordered online for dine-in, pickup, or delivery through the Chick-fil-A app and while supplies last. Participating restaurants can be confirmed using the store locator.
The cost of meals at home rose 2.6% in the 12 months ending in September 2025, while the cost of meals away from home rose 3.7%, according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
“In response to a shrinking food dollar and a strong consumer base, restaurants are turning to innovative business and operating models to capture greater market share,” KPMG restaurant segment leader Paul Fultz and consumer markets strategy leader Joel Rumpold said in a study.
Innovation has long played a role in Chick-fil-A’s strategy. The company opened Hatch Innovation Labs in 2012, a dedicated creative workspace designed to develop new ideas driven by customer feedback.
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Still, some industry experts warn that sustainable growth will require more than just new menu items.
“Great ideas are all it takes to create a thriving innovation ecosystem within an organization,” said Sophia Hoferer, Etonix Marketing Team Lead. “It demands a strategic approach that connects people, processes, and technology across departments to turn those ideas into effective results.”
So far, Chick-fil-A’s approach seems to be paying off. The chain generated more than $9 billion in total revenue in 2024, representing nearly 14% growth over the previous year, and achieved $22.7 billion in systemwide sales, which continues to grow year over year.
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This story was originally published by TheStreet on February 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Restaurants section. Add TheStreet as a preferred source by clicking here.
