The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
BUT NO CHICK-FIL-A AT MOST FALCONS GAMES
It’s well known in these parts that if you’re craving Chick-fil-A on a Sunday, you’re out of luck. The Atlanta-based chain has famously stayed true to its values, including closing on Sundays, since 1946.
That won’t change with the opening of two Chick-fil-A stands in the new Mercedes-Benz stadium. Seven of eight Atlanta Falcons home games will be played on Sundays this season, which means chicken-biscuit-craving football fans will have to get their fix elsewhere — (with, for instance, Kevin Gillespie’s Chick-fil-A-inspired Closed on Sunday fried chicken sandwich, which will be served at his Mercedes-Benz spot Gamechanger).
John Mattioli, Chick-fil-A senior manager of partnerships and activation marketing, addressed the decision in an email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
“We’re always looking for ways to get Chick-fil-A to our loyal and passionate customers in the most convenient and personal ways. What better place than at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, particularly with the upcoming Chickfil-A Kickoff Games, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and Atlanta United matches. We’re excited to have the chance to serve customers at a number of other events taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium throughout the year, including non-Sunday Falcons games, concerts, and the many other marquee events this best-in-class venue will host.”
Highly anticipated upcoming
non-Sunday events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium include the Alabama vs. Florida State University game on Sept. 2, and five Atlanta United soccer games.
Digital signage will allow the Chick-fil-A stands — located on the northwest and southwest sides on the 100 level — to flip to stadium-run concession stands on Sunday, with food service provided by Levy Restaurants.
The fact that Chick-fil-A will remain closed on Sundays at the stadium should come as no surprise — the chain also made the decision not to open its location at Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park on Sundays.
Chick-fil-A explains its closed-on-Sundays policy on its website:
“Our founder, Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia. Having worked seven days a week in restaurants open 24 hours, Truett saw the importance of closing on Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose — a practice we uphold today.”