The 'A' In Chick-Fil-A Has An Actual Meaning: Here's What It Represents

When you pull into the Chick-fil-A drive-thru line for nuggs, waffle fries, and some of that CFA lemonade that tastes so good, do you ever consider the quirky name of the restaurant? It's clearly a play on the phrase "chicken filet," which is the star of its signature sandwich. But there's a reason that the letter "A" is capitalized and set apart, and it's not just to be cute. In fact, Chick-fil-A spelled it out — pun fully intended — on its Canadian website. The "A" in Chick-fil-A is said to stand for top-quality chicken, or "Grade A," for the best product... that's what founder S. Truett Cathy had in mind. Nowadays, the company boasts, the "A" has even deeper meaning. It stands for "all" Chick-fil-A does for its beloved customers in the way of industry-leading service, and going "above and beyond" in all its endeavors.

There's a reason why a Chick-fil-A employee says "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome" during a transaction, and it's because it's another bit of founder Cathy's legacy that makes guests feel extra-special. Dan Cathy, son of S. Truett, once stated that Chick-fil-A strives for "second mile service," a concept based on a Biblical verse that boils down to not only going the proverbial extra mile for customers, but doing it gratefully. "Then a transaction turns into a relationship," he told the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in 2014 (via Appen Media). "To build brand loyalty, you need to go that extra mile."

Chick-fil-A has an entire body of lore that most people don't know about. For example, the company's Little Blue Menu test kitchen concept in College Park, Maryland, is not the only CFA-related eatery in the chain's family tree. S. Truett Cathy's original Dwarf House diner in Hapeville, Georgia still exists, and was the predecessor to modern Chick-fil-A restaurants. You can also find Truett's Grill and Truett's Luau in Georgia, which serve not only CFA classics, but down-home southern fare and Hawaiian treats, respectively. 

Although Georgia was the home state of S. Truett Cathy and the chain's birthplace, Texas is actually the state with the most CFA locations in America. Speaking of diversifying, did you know that, in 2024, the Chick-fil-A Play app was launched? Originally misunderstood by the press to be a streaming platform, the app is actually a hub for shows and short films, ebooks, recipes, games, and other entertaining content, all as wholesome and family-friendly as you'd expect from the squeaky-clean brand.

Ever think about running your own Chick-fil-A franchise and raking in the dough? Not so fast. One last CFA secret is the fact that franchising a new location is strictly controlled by corporate, with tons of hoops to jump through: Just one percent of applicants actually get awarded a franchise. Franchisees are limited to running just one restaurant to ensure that the company's commitments to quality and community investment are upheld.