Chick-fil-A Supply

Musician to maintenance was not the career trajectory Brian Falco expected for himself. However, when the demands of a musician's lifestyle didn't align with his vision for family life, Brian decided it was time for a change. Starting with an entry-level role in metal manufacturing, he now has more than 17 years of diverse industrial maintenance experience under his belt, including his year and a half with Chick-fil-A Supply. As the Manager of Facilities and Automation for the Chick-fil-A Supply Dallas Distribution Center (DC) – the first building with automation capabilities in the Chick-fil-A Supply network – Brian’s days are now spent ensuring facilities are finely tuned. His team is responsible for all non-transportation assets within the building, so everything from warehouse robotics and computers running automated machinery to the air conditioning units and paint on the walls. "I have an incredible team,” Brian shares. “They know the impact their role can have on someone else’s work experience, and they take that seriously. They're always asking how they can make the facilities and equipment better. Their attitude perfectly aligns with our mission to be the world’s most caring distribution company”. One of the things Brian values most about working at Chick-fil-A Supply is the culture. "I walk into the break room and hear the team discussing their personal lives. It's a safe space where they can be themselves, whether they're laughing together or seeking advice," he says. Beyond the culture, Brian also highlights leadership that listens, competitive compensation, insurance benefits and even break rooms stocked with free food as added perks to joining the team. He's currently recruiting for a Frontline Maintenance Supervisor who can match the needed technical expertise with the right cultural fit to lead the day-to-day maintenance operations. Learn about the Frontline Maintenance Supervisor role here: https://lnkd.in/ejbhTGRt “It’s an exciting time in the organization,” says Brian. “We’re still in the early stages, so whoever comes in will have an opportunity to put their thumbprint on what we're doing as we prepare to duplicate best practices in future DCs." He adds, “the opportunities are endless for someone who wants to join now and grow with us.”

One of our guiding principles is we are Better Together. Robert Albert, General Manager of Chick-fil-A Supply® Distribution Center Cleveland shares the importance of embracing this value in all areas of the business.

When Stephen Wilmington learned that Chick-fil-A Supply was opening a new distribution center (DC) in his hometown of Cleveland, he was curious if the DC would have the same caring culture he experienced at Chick-fil-A® Restaurants. "I was wowed every moment of the interview process,” shared Stephen. “The thought and care they showed, it gave me confidence." As an Operations Supervisor at the Chick-fil-A Supply Cleveland DC, Stephen starts his day working through the daily operations plan with the Team Leaders. Their attention to detail has led the Cleveland DC to set a remarkable record of days without any safety incidents. Their safety record is no accident; it's the result of a culture where safety is paramount, and feedback is always welcomed. This openness to feedback creates an atmosphere where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and everyone can learn from opportunities to grow. Stephen's favorite part of his role is developing the leadership skills of his team. He organizes lunch and learns that focus on topics like emotional intelligence and effective communication.  His efforts have enhanced overall understanding of business concepts like operations and process flows as well as interpersonal skills like handling difficult conversations. Stephen also initiated one-on-one sessions to develop a cadence of clear communication, ensuring his team feels heard and supported. Stephen's goal is to foster an environment where Team Members feel empowered, learn from their mistakes, and do not view failure as a final result. Stephen offers heartfelt advice for those considering a career with Chick-fil-A Supply: "If you haven't found care in the workplace, this is the place. The opportunities here are as high as you want them to be. This company is growing fast, and the care at every level show how different it is at Chick-fil-A Supply. This is the place to be. You will always feel supported and important."

Chick-fil-A Supply® Charlotte is opening in Kannapolis, NC in late August. Earlier this week, Chick-fil-A Supply brought together more than 150 Chick-fil-A® restaurant Owner-Operators and Team Members, as well as Distribution Center (DC) Team Members for a Town Hall to celebrate and prepare for onboarding. The Charlotte DC, set to serve more than 100 Restaurants in the greater Carolinas, is the second DC in North Carolina and the ninth in our network. General Manager Richie Steele will oversee 85 Team Members. “Chick-fil-A Supply will be just down the road from our Restaurant and we have already seen the intentionality and focus throughout our initial onboarding," said Matt Rice, local Owner-Operator at Chick-fil-A Carolina Mall. "We are thrilled for the partnership and can’t wait for our first delivery."

Austin Seifert's career took an unexpected turn when a recruiter reached out to him about an opportunity with Chick-fil-A Supply in St. Louis. Austin didn’t know much about Chick-fil-A, only that they had chicken sandwiches and were closed on Sunday, but his interest was piqued. When he spoke with the recruiter, Austin was immediately drawn to the unique emphasis on culture. He was impressed by the investment in the culture and distribution center. The clean warehouse and state-of-the-art equipment highlighted Chick-fil-A Supply’s commitment to excellence. While serving as an Inventory Control Warehouse Lead at Chick-fil-A Supply St. Louis Distribution Center (DC), Austin has learned that it's often the simple but unexpected things that have the greatest impact. When his son was sick, there were no questions about taking time off. "I've never had a leader reach out and ask how my son is doing, or follow-up when I’m back at work to check on him," Austin Seifert shared. “When my father-in-law passed away, they sent flowers and offered support for my family. My wife and I were deeply grateful for this additional care during a difficult time.” Austin finds great fulfillment in extending the genuine care and support he receives to his team, "Chick-fil-A Supply demonstrates care through tangible actions. If a leader doesn't have an answer, they connect you with someone who does. The level of support I get here is unparalleled."

Chick-fil-A Supply is pleased to recognize Ryan Companies US, Inc. as the Chick-fil-A Supply® Partner of the Year. To celebrate, Ryan Companies held a Chick-fil-A Supply Day across its national network of offices to thank their teams for their hard work and celebrate our partnership.   “Ryan Companies combines expertise in real estate, development and construction management with a trusted base of supplier and key trade relationships,” said Andre Tejeda, a development and construction team leader for Chick-fil-A Supply. “Partnering with Ryan Companies has enabled us to scale our business and honor our commitment to local Restaurant Owner-Operators.”   Ryan Companies provided architecture + engineering, preconstruction, construction and programmatic, launch support across several markets, including our most recent distribution center to open in Selma, Texas. Their ability to proactively identify risks, enhance designs and find opportunities to save on costs have helped Chick-fil-A Supply increase efficiencies across multiple projects.

“As we celebrate five years of Chick-fil-A Supply we also celebrate the story of Steven Hammond, Lead Engineer, and his family’s legacy of serving at Chick-fil-A. Steven’s eye for innovation plays a critical role in the growth of our network of Distribution Centers serving Chick-fil-A Restaurants across the country”, Adam Harris, MBA, SAPM, Chick-fil-A Supply. 

Five years ago, the Chick-fil-A Supply distribution center in Cartersville, Georgia, made our first-ever restaurant delivery. By the end of 2024, our nine distribution centers will be delivering to more than 1,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants! We express our gratitude to the nearly 1,200+ Warehouse and Transportation Team Members and Chick-fil-A Supply Staff who support Chick-fil-A restaurants every day. Click here to learn five things about Chick-fil-A Supply in celebration of our five-year anniversary: https://lnkd.in/ex47C-vC

Brynn Albretsen, the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Florence, values her partnership with Chick-fil-A Supply® because of the team’s personal and proactive approach. The Chick-fil-A Supply team anticipates potential issues like weather concerns and reaches out if they notice something amiss with a delivery or at the Restaurant. “One time a Chick-fil-A Supply driver alerted my team to a possible water leak at my Restaurant,” Brynn remembers. “Thanks to the proactive communication from the driver, including pictures to pinpoint the source of the leak, a potentially disastrous situation turned into a minor maintenance problem.”  The partnership also includes personal touches of care that lets Brynn know her Restaurant is more than just a stop on the delivery route. In April, Brynn received the 2024 Spirit of Shoals Award for Best of Business from her local Chamber of Commerce in Florence, Alabama. The next day, Brynn received a message from Desiree Wilson, her Chick-fil-A Supply Lead Advisor. “Desiree let me know she was praying for me and asked all about the awards ceremony,” shared Brynn. “The genuine care reminds me of how my team seeks to serve our Guests.” “Celebrating Brynn and her Restaurant’s accomplishment brings us joy. Knowing that we are serving Restaurants in the same way they serve Guests, it fills our cup and reminds us that we are all part of the same team,” Desiree W., Sr. Lead Advisor, Chick-fil-A Supply.

Introducing Chick-fil-A Supply South Florida, located in Weston, FL. This Distribution Center (DC), tenth in the Chick-fil-A Supply network, represents our continued commitment to excellence in meeting the unique needs of our Chick-fil-A® restaurants in the region.   The facility will open in fall 2025 and will serve nearly 100 Restaurants in the greater South Florida area. Leadership roles for the DC have posted at https://lnkd.in/eRGYY5Xh. Driver, Warehouse Team Member and other roles will post later this year.