Over two dozen Reinhardt business students traveled to Atlanta on March 25, 2026. The immersive visit to the Chick-fil-A Support Center provided firsthand insight into one of the nation’s most recognized companies and its values-driven approach to business.
Students explored the company’s history, from its early beginnings to its growth into a global brand. They learned how founder S. Truett Cathy’s early experiences, including adapting to fast-paced customer needs, shaped key operational decisions — such as ensuring menu items could be prepared quickly and maintaining the company’s tradition of closing on Sundays to prioritize rest and family.
A tour of the Innovation Kitchen offered a look into the development of new menu ideas and concepts. Students also learned about Chick-fil-A’s evolving operations, including supplier relationships, international expansion into countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, as well as how packaging and menu strategies adapt across different markets.
Throughout the experience, Chick-fil-A leaders shared insights on leadership, marketing, and operations. Retired Senior Management Consultant Steve Plunkett emphasized principles such as stewardship, hospitality, personal responsibility, and building long-term relationships, while encouraging leaders to create environments where people naturally want to succeed. Canton Franchise Owner/Operator and Reinhardt Trustee Kevin Williams reinforced the importance of communication, advising students to “be a conversational leader, not a directional leader.”
Additional perspectives emphasized a people-first approach across departments. One employee highlighted the importance of selecting franchisees who align with company values, while others explained how local marketing strategies and community engagement build strong customer connections. Insight into facilities management described a proactive balance between planning and reactive problem-solving.
For students, the trip connected classroom concepts to real-world applications. “Visiting the Chick-fil-A Support Center gave me a valuable real-world perspective on how strong leadership, service values, and teamwork come together to create a successful business environment,” said Zeynep Yıldırım (RU 2029). “It helped me better understand how the concepts I learned in class are applied in a professional setting.”
The experience made possible by the Reinhardt Business Club and faculty support provided students with a deeper understanding of how purpose-driven leadership, innovation, and community-focused strategies contribute to long-term business success.
-By Gabriel Gutierrez (RU-2027)
