Chick-fil-A launching streaming service, new metro Atlanta location with first-ever 'elevated drive-thru'

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A is creating a streaming platform to host a number of original series and opened a new location in metro Atlanta that has four drive-thru lanes and no dining room.
Chick-fil-A opened a new location in McDonough, Georgia, on Thursday that has four drive-thru lanes and no dine-in option. The kitchen is located above the lanes. (Courtesy of Chick-fil-A)

Chick-fil-A is transforming to meet the modern market.

The Atlanta-based chicken restaurant chain is creating a streaming platform to host a number of original series, according to Deadline.

The service would stream family-friendly content, such as a 10-episode game show from Sugar23, which produced “13 Reasons Why,” and Glassman Media, which produced “The Wall” and “Spin the Wheel.” Deadline reported that Chick-fil-A is also discussing the possibility of streaming scripted and animated shows.

The streaming service may launch later in 2024, according to Deadline. Chick-fil-A has previously created original content, such as a short animated film series. The chain joins other brands that have been shifting to the entertainment space, such as Starbucks, which created Starbucks Studios in June.

The upcoming streaming platform is not the only move the fast-food chain is making to adapt to the changing business landscape.

Chick-fil-A on Thursday opened its first “elevated drive-thru” location, which has four drive-thru lanes and no dining room or dine-in services. According to a Wednesday press release, the new site is located at 2155 Jodeco Road, McDonough, south of metro Atlanta.

The kitchen, which is twice the size of regular Chick-fil-A kitchens, is located on a second floor that hovers above the drive-thru lanes, and a conveyer system transports the food down to an employee every six seconds, according to the release.

At Chick-fil-A’s new “elevated drive-thru” site that debuted Thursday, the kitchen is located above four drive-thru lanes. (Courtesy of Chick-fil-A)

“Our Guests lead busy lives, and we’re focused on designing our restaurants to best serve their needs,” said Jonathan Reed, executive director of design for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “With the new Elevated Drive-Thru design, featuring our first four-lane drive-thru, we’re aiming to deliver quality food and genuine hospitality in a way that’s uniquely Chick-fil-A, and gives our Guests time back in their day.” 

Customers can also use “Mobile Thru” lanes specifically dedicated to those picking up mobile orders.

In celebration of the new location, the restaurant chain is donating $25,000 to Feeding America for distribution among local Stockbridge and McDonough partners. The new site will also donate surplus food to food banks, shelters, soup kitchens and nonprofits through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, and it will gift free Chick-fil-A meals to 100 “local heroes.”

The popular chicken chain’s busy month continued with the Aug. 15 announcement of a new president and chief operating officer. Longtime employee Susannah Frost will take over as president and Cliff Robinson will become COO on Oct. 1.