Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and exceptional customer service, is taking a bold step into the entertainment world with the launch of Chick-fil-A Play, a free app designed to bring families together through shared experiences.
With over 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, and 2023 revenues of approximately $21.6 billion, Chick-fil-A has the resources and brand loyalty to make this ambitious venture a reality.
Launching November 18, Chick-fil-A Play offers a mix of family-friendly content, including:
- Original animated shows like Legends of Evergreen Hills, featuring the iconic Chick-fil-A Cows.
- Kid-friendly podcasts, perfect for commutes or road trips.
- Interactive games, jokes, and conversation starters to spark family engagement.
- Recipes and crafts to inspire creativity at home.
- E-books and animated stories for entertainment on the go.
“Hospitality and fun have always been at the core of the Chick-fil-A family experience, whether inside our Restaurants and play areas, or through our Kids Meals,” said Dustin Britt, executive director of brand strategy. “The Chick-fil-A Play App is a digital extension of that experience and another way we’re reimagining ‘Play’ for our Guests, in a unique way through entertainment that really encourages time together.”
INSIDER TAKE
Chick-fil-A’s move is a textbook example of experiential marketing, where brands connect with consumers through interactive, memorable experiences. By combining high-quality, ad-free content with its well-established family-first ethos, Chick-fil-A positions itself as more than a restaurant—it becomes a lifestyle brand.
With the crowded streaming ecosystem already grappling with saturation, rising costs, and subscriber churn, Chick-fil-A’s entry poses a new challenge: What happens when consumer brands with deep pockets and loyal audiences enter the space with free, high-quality content?
At its core, this move is about owning the mealtime experience. Chick-fil-A isn’t just selling chicken—it’s creating moments. By embedding itself into family routines through entertainment, its goal is to strengthen customer loyalty and extend its influence beyond the dining table.
Chick-fil-A Play reflects a broader trend of consumer brands leveraging entertainment to deepen engagement. As other companies explore similar strategies, subscription services will need to innovate and differentiate themselves to remain competitive.
In a world where even fast-food chains are becoming content creators, the line between consumer engagement and entertainment is increasingly blurred. Subscription leaders must ask: How will we rise to meet this new wave of competition?
