Grove City College students will have another dining option next fall when a new Chick-fil-A restaurant opens in the Breen Student Union.
The on-campus outlet will serve up the famous chicken sandwiches, tasty nuggets, savory waffle fries, and sweet, sweet lemonade that the iconic fast-food chain is known for to hungry students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Chick-fil-A ambassador Trudy Cathy White – the daughter of franchise founders Truett and Jeannette Cathy – made the surprise announcement Monday, Feb. 13, while she was visiting campus to deliver the J. Paul Sticht ’39 Memorial Lecture in Business and Ethics.
“I am honored that I get the chance to make this announcement to you all, that something special is going to happen here on your campus come this fall … what I want you to know is that Chick-fil-A is coming right here to Grove City College,” White said. Her announcement in a packed Ketler Auditorium was greeted with cheers as Chick-fil-A Cow plushies were tossed into the audience.
Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose – “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A” – syncs well with Grove City College’s mission and values, especially faithfulness and excellence.
Lines form in advance when the Chick-fil-A food truck visits campus several times a year. Many alumni are franchise operators and students often get early work experience at Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A will be part of the College’s on campus meal plan.
“We’re extremely thankful for Chick-fil-A’s expeditious consideration and remarkable expertise as we’ve worked to bring this exciting dining experience to our students. They will have a choice with next year’s meal plan to enjoy the large variety of excellent food offerings in Hicks and MAP cafes or a delicious Chick-fil-A meal. The alignment of the company’s and College’s values makes this an especially exciting milestone,” College President Paul J. McNulty ’80 said.
Grove City College’s Chick-fil-A will occupy the space currently housing the GeDUNK grille.