The Reason People Are Complaining About Chick-Fil-A's Fries

A complaint about Chick-fil-A? Given the Atlanta-based chain's wide popularity and "favorite chain" status (via TODAY), we were surprised, too. But with the challenges of 2020, however, there's one area in which Chick-fil-A seems to have a problem. That is, it hasn't figured out a way to successfully keep its fries crispy when sent out for delivery.

People love Chick-fil-A's famous waffle-cut fries. While the Mashed staff disagrees, Thrillist named them number three on its list of top 20 fries, and The Ringer ranked them as number one. According to The Chicken Wire, the official blog of Chick-fil-A, they're the most-ordered item on the menu (though this is probably because most people order full meals rather than a la carte). The reason they're so tasty? Much of it has to do with the company policy that all fries have to be served within ten minutes of their removal from the fryer (via The Toledo Blade). So what happens when the fries have to endure long delivery times? Unfortunately, they lose that trademark crispness, at least according to one subreddit.

A Redditor created a survey called "Are your fries soggy on delivery?" aimed at sussing out Chick-fil-A's potato problem. As of this writing, nearly 300 respondents replied "yes," 150 said "no," and 211 said "sometimes."

The general consensus among commenters was that there's not much that can be done. We'd have to agree. Time is the enemy when it comes to french fry crispness. Some offered constructive ideas, such as specifying that you would like your fries cooked "extra crispy" or eschewing the potatoes altogether and upgrading to the delicious mac and cheese side dish. In fact, this might be a good chance to find a favorite new Chick-fil-A menu item, such as the Kale Crunch Salad, fruit cup, or yogurt parfait (via DoorDash).

The vast majority (650) of the Reddit survey responders said they've never had Chick-fil-A delivered. This might be the best strategy of all for avoiding soggy fries. One commenter wrote, "This is why I usually do pickup for CFA. Either eat it in the parking lot or speed home...I need my babies fresh!"

We agree. Fries, wherever they're from, taste best when eaten on the way home.