Over the last few months, when COVID cases were lower and vaccination rates were higher, many of us started to eat at our favorite restaurants for the first time in more than a year. But even though the trajectory of the pandemic has shifted, most dining rooms across the U.S. are still open now—however, there are a few exceptions, including some Chick-fil-As. Read on to find out why your local Chick-fil-A location may be turning away customers once again.
RELATED: Wendy's Is Permanently Getting Rid of This Menu Item.
Due to staffing shortages, several Chick-fil-A locations have closed their dining rooms.
Some Chick-fil-A locations in southern states say they are having to close dining rooms because of a shortage of workers. Three Chick-fil-As in Alabama and one in Georgia are no longer allowing customers to dine indoors, according to CNN. "Due to lack of staff, we have resorted back to serving guests through our drive-thru only," one of the locations in Calera, Alabama, said in an Aug. 17 Facebook post.
Another location in McCalla, Alabama, said it's in "the midst of a staffing crisis," especially as it moves into its busiest time of the year, from September through December. "We are unable to schedule enough team members to provide the excellent service that our guests deserve," the McCalla team said. The other affected locations are in Madison, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia.
Some locations are no longer allowing customers to order curbside either.
If you're looking to bypass the long drive-thru lines at some of these Chick-fil-A locations that've shut down their dining rooms, you may be disappointed. Normal Dull, the operator of the Madison Chick-fil-A, said his location is also turning off its mobile curbside ordering option, as well as its mobile carryout option.
"This was done to help reduce the stress on the team members we currently have but also to be able to still provide you with the Chick-fil-A experience you expect, just through a limited venue," Dull said on Facebook. "We have some of the best team members in the world. They work hard every day, but they are tired and overextended."
The Chick-fil-A in Calera has also stopped allowing customers to order curbside delivery and is limiting the amount of catering orders it will accept, according to a follow-up post from its operator, Brad Johnson.
RELATED: And for more food news, sign up for our daily newsletter.
At least one McDonald's location also recently closed its dining room for the same reason.
The staffing shortage is not just affecting Chick-fil-A locations, either. A McDonald's on the outskirts of Charlotte, North Carolina, said it also had to close its dining room because it does not have enough workers, Business Insider reported on Aug. 26.
The location on Pineville Matthews Road told the news outlet that it was still serving food through its drive-thru, as well as through delivery and collection services.
Fast food restaurants are experiencing high rates of employee turnover.
The entire restaurant industry is facing a labor shortage, but fast food spots like Chick-fil-A and McDonald's are bearing the brunt of it. According to an August study by data insights company Black Box Intelligence and job marketplace Snagajob, fast food restaurants are seeing employees leave at higher rates than ever before. The study says there are four driving factors contributing to the staffing shortage: inferior wages and benefits, limited childcare due to remote learning as a result of the pandemic, opportunities in other industries, and concerns about mental and physical health.
"Recently, restaurants have been hit with higher than usual turnover and this is a moment for restaurant owners and managers to take a look at how they do things and what their staff is up against," Black Box Intelligence and Sanagajob said in their study. "By creating a positive work environment and meeting workers' needs, restaurants can reduce turnover."
RELATED: If You Live in These States, Prepare for an Alcohol Shortage.
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderFood • NewsRead This NextWendy's Is Getting Rid of This Menu Item
Customers started noticing it was missing from the chain's menu—and turns out, it's gone for good.July 28, 2021This Is America's Most Hated Fast Food Chain
Despite its ubiquity, Americans say this is their least favorite convenience restaurant. December 29, 2020If This Is in Your Fridge, Food Could Go Bad
Make sure to get rid of this as soon as possible to avoid food spoilage.July 27, 202110 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017
