The second Tuesday in July is Cow Appreciation Day, a day when raving fans of Chick-fil-A can dress like a cow for free food.

For Chick-fil-A Support Staff, it’s a chance to serve Operators and Team Members by working in the restaurant. I love working in the restaurant as I learn so much about how to improve our processes. Today, I was impressed by a well-oiled machine that is hitting on all cylinders to serve and delight Customers. Specifically, at Tiger Town Chick-fil-A, in Auburn, AL, I saw:

Right Tools – Sanitizer Wipes in a Box and Long Handled Dust Pans made keeping the Restaurant Clean a Breeze. Our Table Markers make it simple and easy to find customers so they can go ahead and sit down if their food is delayed.

Right People – I am consistently amazed at the talent, character, and servant hearts of our Team Members and Operators. CAD demonstrates how talented people working as a team can accomplish a highly complex operation with class, style, and calm.

Right Process – For a Chick-fil-a Restaurant to run smoothly, there are at least five processes interacting: Food Production, Order Taking in the Drive-Thru, Order Taking at the Front Counter, Meal Assembly & Marry Up, and Dining Room Table Turns. Operator Andrew Barnes had Aces in their Places, and each was well trained to keep food flowing, lines moving, and customers eating.

Right Capacity  – In order to absorb an extra 25% demand in one day, it was evident that this restaurant had plenty of cooking, order-taking, and dining capacity. Kudos to a company that equips Operators to grow sales and satisfy customer demand!

Right Labor – Capacity is only useful in the hands of skilled and adequate labor to exploit it. This Operator’s Team was on their game, fully engaged, and clearly having fun. As well, the restaurant was well staffed to handle the demand. This was obviously an intentional decision. Kudos to Andrew Barnes for a beautifully executed day. Andrew, I was blessed to serve with you.