Chick-Fil-A: You've Won Me Over!

I admit it.  I'm a McDonald's girl.  Always have been, and probably always will be.  I once went through an entire semester eating nothing but #2's (their two cheeseburger meal which, after a couple years of hibernation, now seems to be their #4 in S. Jersey). 

I could drench my fries in Sweet-n-Sour sauce all night long and never once think to myself, Gina, maybe you're overdoing it a little bit.

Nope.  I'd give people directions using McDonalds' as landmarks.  Friends would get me McDonald's gift certificates for holidays.  I even bonded with my future-husband over McDonald's history and lore.  Apparently it's what cemented his love for me...

But I digress.

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In all my years as a McDonald's girl, I've scoffed at those who preferred Chick-Fil-A.  One of my best friends, Frank (you can check out his Phillies Blog here), swears by it.  I'd religiously pass it up in favor of McDonald's.  If I'm gonna have fast food, I may as well have the good stuff, right?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, over the last year or so, I've heard an increasing amount of arguments in favor of Chick-Fil-A.  My husband always liked their stuff (he didn't have loyalties like I did), but he could never convince me to give them a fair shot.  It took a troupe of Mommy Bloggers to finally pave the way for me to give them a real go.

Thus, when John asked "Where do you want to take Vince to lunch?" while we were out last weekend, I surprised him with "Chick-Fil-A."  I seriously think he had a minor heart attack.

Anyway, we made our way to the one down the street from us.  John was in his glories (he loves their nuggets), and I was in the playroom with Vince.  I had already eaten (since I wasn't expecting to like anything - chicken sandwiches never appealed to me), but John got me a sandwich anyway.  "It's for later" he said.

Sure.

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Anyway, the restaurant was just what all the Mommy Bloggers had talked about.  It was clean, the staff was extremely friendly, they were very obviously "kid-friendly," and as a result, their customers seemed very much like us... young families looking to capitalize on a good deal.

I was amazed! 

The playroom was perfect.  It had several activities and kept Vince thoroughly entertained for about 45 minutes.  When we finally pulled him away for food, he enjoyed that, too!  John had gotten him nuggets and waffle fries with an apple juice to drink. 

I tried one of the nuggets because they looked homemade.  I don't like nuggets, but since these looked so (for lack of a better word) natural, I took a nibble and was thoroughly surprised when I liked that, too!

The real test came a few minutes later when I had to change Vince in the bathroom.  Imagine my surprise when the bathroom not only had a changing station, but a clean one at that!  It was even stocked with little baggies to toss away diapers, and extra wipes in case a mom forgot her own!

And as we were leaving the bathroom, I spotted a little step stool for Vince to use to wash his hands.  I didn't have to help him levitate (which inevitably leaves him soapy and covered in water)!!! 

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Okay, Chick-Fil-A... I think you may be on to something!

So I decided to go back again today.  I wanted to see if I'd just gotten lucky and saw them on the best day they'd ever had.  Today's trip was even BETTER!

The staff was in full force today, giving balloons to all the kids, asking parents if they wanted free "toys / books" for them, making sure every one had all the condiments / drinks they wanted.

The playroom was still pristine (with the exception of a tiny Purell packet on the floor which immediately got swept up by one of the staff members), and yes, the bathroom was STILL stocked with extra wipes!

Alright, alright... I can admit defeat.  Chick-Fil-A, you have a new raving fan.  Now I fully believe what all the other Mommy Bloggers were saying when they swore by this place.  Now I can go back to Frank and say, "Alrighty, I apologize... you're not entirely wrong in your opinion of Chick-Fil-A."  And John... John can be super happy that Chick-Fil-A has become a possibility for the family again!

So yes... for any of you folks wondering if Chick-Fil-A might be for you, give it a whirl.  I wish I had done it a lot sooner!

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