Allgood Hall serves up first Chick-fil-A Day
By Caelyn Dockal | Staff writer
Augusta University students got a taste of Chick-fil-A on the Summerville campus for the first time on Thursday Aug. 21 during “Chick-fil-A Day,” an event hosted at Sub-Connection on the first floor of Allgood Hall. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students lined up to grab signature Chick-fil-A sandwiches, paired with chips, cookies, and Coca-Cola fountain drinks.
The event was a direct response to student requests, according to Kiara Daniels, Marketing Manager for Jag-Dining.
“At the students’ request, we decided to host our very first Chick-fil-A event,” Daniels said. “It came from student engagement. Students wanted Chick-fil-A on campus, and we collaborated with Student Affairs leadership to make it happen.”
Jag-Dinning and Chick-fil-A staff prepared for a big turnout, and they weren’t disappointed. By the end of the event, Sodexo reported selling 300 Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and Daniels says they’re already hoping to make it a regular thing.
“Hopefully we can continue these partnerships, maybe even with other retail companies,” Daniels added.
Building Engagement through Food
Karl Munchy, Assistant Chief of Dining Services, said the event had a dual purpose. This event provided students with what they asked for while also promoting Sub-Connection, a dining option with which some students aren’t as familiar.
“We know students love Chick-fil-A, and we really wanted something to draw students out here so they’re aware Sub-Connection exists,” Munchy said. “We think this went really well, and we hope to do this regularly. Maybe once to twice a month.”
The timing couldn’t be better, as AU continues to see record enrollment.
“This year, students have really embraced the meal plan,” Munchy said. “We’ve sold more plans to students who aren’t even in student housing, and pairing events like this with their meal plan brings them out on a regular basis.”
There’s even talk of adding a new cafeteria on the Summerville campus to accommodate growing demand, though plans still need approval from the university and the state.
Students are loving it. For many, the event was a welcome change.
“Low-key, Chick-fil-A is the best,” said Ava Priest, a junior business major from Rockmore, Georgia. “I’m so glad they brought this over to Allgood and to see that this may be happening more on campus.”
Briana Pichardo, an intern under Daniels, agreed that the event was overdue.
“Usually, students have to go to the Health Sciences campus for Chick-fil-A,” Pichardo said. “It’s great to finally have it here.”
So, what's next? If the response is any indication, Chick-fil-A Day isn’t going away anytime soon. Jag-Dinning hopes to make this a recurring event, and Chick-fil-A plans to bring even more food next time.
Contact Caelyn Dockal at cadockal@augusta.edu.
