Chick-fil-A is piloting a new vending machine concept at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta. The unit, officially called a “temperature-controlled market fridge,” offers grab-and-go items for hospital staff and visitors, including:
- Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap
- Southwest Veggie Wrap
- Waffle Potato Chips (in two flavors)
The vending machine is open 24 hours a day, but in true Chick-fil-A fashion, it shuts down on Sundays, honoring the company’s long-standing policy of Sunday closures—even for automated services.
How It Works
The vending unit is card-only, accepting credit and mobile payments via a touchscreen interface. It’s restocked daily by local Chick-fil-A staff and designed to maintain food freshness through temperature control. Customers can select items quickly without waiting in line, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like hospitals.
Why Chick-fil-A Is Testing This
According to company spokespeople, the vending machine is part of a broader effort to expand access to Chick-fil-A food in nontraditional settings, especially where full-service restaurants aren’t feasible. The pilot is focused on convenience, speed, and brand consistency, with the Sunday closure reinforcing Chick-fil-A’s values even in automated formats.
What’s Next
While the test is currently limited to one location, Chick-fil-A may expand the concept to other hospitals, airports, or college campuses depending on customer feedback and operational success. The vending machine is not intended to replace restaurants but to complement existing service models.
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