Chick-fil-A is entering the beverage arena with the launch of Daybright, a new drink-focused restaurant concept designed to compete with Starbucks and other specialty coffee chains. Developed by Chick-fil-A’s innovation arm, Red Wagon Ventures, Daybright will focus exclusively on beverages—no chicken sandwiches in sight.
The first location is set to open in Atlanta later this year, with plans to expand to additional markets in 2026.
What’s on the Menu
Daybright will offer a curated menu of specialty coffees, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and food, with an emphasis on flavor innovation and wellness.
There's still no definitive names of the offerings, as the menu is still being kept under wraps, but what's for sure is that none of the already-existing Chick-fil-A beverages are going to be on it.
The concept is designed for grab-and-go convenience, with mobile ordering, drive-thru, and walk-up service windows.
Why Chick-fil-A Is Betting on Beverages
The move reflects a growing trend in fast food: beverage innovation as a standalone business. As TODAY reports, Chick-fil-A sees Daybright as a way to “brighten people’s day through drinks,” tapping into consumer demand for flavorful, functional, and Instagram-worthy beverages.
Red Wagon Ventures president said the idea was born from observing how customers increasingly treat drinks as a primary purchase—not just a sidekick to food. “We saw an opportunity to create something that’s entirely focused on beverages, with the same hospitality Chick-fil-A is known for,” he told USA Today.
What to Expect
The Greater Atlanta flagship will serve as a testing ground for menu development and customer experience. If successful, Daybright could roll out nationwide, offering a new alternative to Starbucks for morning coffee runs and afternoon pick-me-ups.
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