Chick-fil-A on Sunday?
2 minute read
In case you haven’t heard, there is a big game this Sunday. The Super Bowl – the NFL’s highest contest – will be played in Atlanta at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If you are fortunate enough to possess a $2,843 ticket to the game, you can witness this gridiron spectacle and experience “The Benz” and its full glory –including its exceptional food concessions.
Arthur Blank, the leader behind the Benz Stadium development, made the popular, 'fan-friendly' decision to insist that concessions be reasonably priced. A hot dog at the Benz costs $2 whereas the NFL average is $5.29.
However, beyond good prices, we Atlantans have a specific food we 'crave,' especially on football Sundays – the Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich.
The Atlanta-based restaurant chain has been closed on Sundays since 1946 when Truett Cathy made the decision to stay true to his beliefs and values. So, for over 70 years, no one can purchase the coveted chicken sandwich on Sunday. So what happens on Super Bowl Sunday?
A few years back, acclaimed Atlanta Chef Kevin Gillespie walked into one of his restaurants, as the story goes, where his team had gathered for their traditional staff meal before opening hours. Someone mentioned that they were craving a Chick-fil-A sandwich. This sparked a challenge. Kevin, a resourceful master chef featured onBravo’s Top Chef, drove to Kroger grocery, bought ingredients, and concocted his delicious alternative to the popular Chick-fil-A sandwich – the “Closed-on-Sunday Chicken Sandwich”.
The "Closed-on-Sunday Chicken Sandwich" was an instant hit. One thing led to another and it appeared on the menu at Revival, Kevin’s Southern-inspired restaurant. Patrons have traveled far and wide to satisfy their craving. One such patron who works at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium pressed Kevin to offer his hit sandwich at Kevin's in-stadium restaurant Gamechanger. Touchdown!
This past Monday, I bumped into Kevin at our local coffee shop. Full disclosure: Kevin is a friend and client (Red Beard Restaurants engaged Vista Growth for our Roadmap process in 2015), so we are fans. I asked him about the hit sandwich and Kevin was very clear; the “Closed-on-Sunday Chicken Sandwich” was created as an “homage” to Chick-fil-A.
At one point, Chick-fil-A executives encouraged Kevin to make a video of his “Closed-on-Sunday Chicken Sandwich.” Click here to watch Kevin prepare the famed chicken sandwich.
Kevin’s version is not likely to be an exact replica of the iconic sandwich but it is certainly a delicious alternative that satisfies both fan cravings and those enjoying a good story. If you can’t get inside the Benz this Sunday, try making the "Closed-on-Sunday Chicken Sandwich" at home or simply make a reservation at Revival.
Either way, have fun, eat well and enjoy the game.
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