The Secret City Of Chicken: 7 Surprising Facts About The Chick-fil-A Support Center
The Chick-fil-A Support Center is far more than just a corporate headquarters; it is the spiritual and operational nerve center for a multi-billion dollar restaurant empire that spans the United States and beyond. Located on a sprawling, heavily wooded campus in Atlanta, Georgia, this facility is where the company's famous culture is forged, new menu items are invented, and the strategic direction for thousands of Owner-Operators is determined. As of December 19, 2025, the center continues to be a hub of activity, reflecting the brand’s commitment to service, quality, and its unique, faith-based corporate purpose.
This "Support Center" nomenclature is intentional, positioning the corporate team not as a command structure, but as a dedicated resource to serve the local restaurant operators—a core philosophy inherited from founder S. Truett Cathy. From the Food Innovation Center to the Leadership Hub, the 73-acre complex is designed to foster a work environment that staff members often describe as "work full of life," blending Southern hospitality with cutting-edge corporate strategy.
Andrew T. Cathy: The Third Generation CEO
The strategic direction and culture of the Support Center are currently overseen by the third generation of the founding family. Andrew T. Cathy, the grandson of founder S. Truett Cathy, took over the role of Chief Executive Officer, continuing the family's legacy of leadership.
Andrew T. Cathy Biography and Profile:
- Full Name: Andrew T. Cathy.
- Current Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chick-fil-A, Inc.
- Family Connection: Grandson of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and son of former CEO Dan T. Cathy.
- Education: Holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Georgia (UGA).
- Career Path: Andrew Cathy grew up in the family business, gaining experience in various roles. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Executive Vice President of Operations and also led the crucial franchisee selection process.
- Leadership Style: His leadership is characterized by a continuation of the company's faith-based principles and a focus on long-term, sustainable growth, making him only the third CEO in the company's history.
- Current Focus: Guiding the company through national and international expansion while maintaining the distinctive corporate culture and core values.
His presence at the helm ensures that the Support Center’s operations remain aligned with the mission statement, which is prominently displayed at the headquarters' entrance: "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
The 73-Acre Campus: Where Innovation Hatches
The physical location of the Support Center is 5200 Buffington Road, Atlanta, GA 30349. The campus itself is a testament to the company's values, designed to feel less like a sterile corporate office and more like a welcoming, wooded retreat. The master planning and landscape architecture, provided by firms like Smallwood, emphasize a connection to nature and a family-centric atmosphere.
The Hatch: Chick-fil-A's Innovation Center
One of the most critical facilities on the campus is "The Hatch," a 32,000-square-foot Innovation and Learning Center located just across the street from the main Support Center building (sometimes referred to as the Oakmont Building). The Hatch is a dynamic space dedicated to forward-thinking initiatives, serving as the company’s internal think tank.
- Purpose: It is the primary location for corporate innovation, technology development, and strategic planning.
- Training: The facility is used for training both corporate staff and, crucially, new restaurant Owner-Operators, ensuring consistency across the entire chain.
- Design: The environment is branded to encourage creativity and collaboration, a key part of the Support Center's mission.
The Food Innovation Center and Campus Amenities
For a company built on a single, famous chicken sandwich, food innovation is paramount. The campus includes a dedicated 35,000-square-foot Food Innovation Center. This facility houses four state-of-the-art test kitchens where new menu items are developed, tested, and perfected before they ever reach a customer. The center is also where the iconic chicken sandwich recipe is safeguarded and meticulously maintained for quality control.
Other key amenities that reflect the company's commitment to employee well-being and its "work full of life" culture include:
- Internal Chick-fil-A Café: A full-sized, operational Chick-fil-A restaurant is located inside the Support Center, used for food testing, training, and providing meals to employees.
- The Leadership Hub: A dedicated space for executive meetings and leadership development programs.
- Campus Gardens: The 73 acres feature thoughtfully designed landscapes, with one architectural firm even mentioning a "Treehouse in the Garden," emphasizing the family and service essence the company aims to capture.
The Latest Expansion of the Chick-fil-A Support System
While the Atlanta Support Center remains the corporate heart, the company’s recent focus on its supply chain infrastructure highlights a major expansion of its overall support system. This focus is necessary to sustain the brand's rapid growth across the U.S. and internationally. The term 'Support Center' is increasingly applied to this broader network of logistical hubs.
Chick-fil-A Supply Distribution Centers
In 2024 and 2025, Chick-fil-A has made significant investments in its distribution capabilities, a crucial function supported by the Atlanta headquarters' strategic planning teams.
- Kentucky Distribution Center: A new $100 million distribution facility is being created by Chick-fil-A Supply in Kenton County, Kentucky. This center is projected to create 178 jobs and will be instrumental in supporting approximately 150 Chick-fil-A restaurants in the region.
- Florida Distribution Center: An additional 244,000-square-foot distribution facility, also operated by Chick-fil-A Supply, is being developed in Florida, supported by local economic development partnerships.
These large-scale logistical projects, managed by teams operating out of the Atlanta Support Center, are vital for ensuring the consistent supply of fresh, high-quality ingredients to the thousands of Chick-fil-A locations. This infrastructure is a direct extension of the corporate mission to serve and support its Owner-Operators. The expansion plans, including new restaurant openings and the development of these supply chain hubs, underscore the company's long-term investment strategy and commitment to growth into 2025 and beyond.
The Corporate Culture and Core Values
The culture within the Support Center is frequently cited as a major factor in the company’s success. The environment is designed to be accepting, supportive, and focused on the development of the individual, not just the company.
The core values of Chick-fil-A, which are lived out daily by the corporate staff, include:
- We’re here to serve: Keeping the needs of Owner-Operators and Guests at the heart of their work.
- We’re better together: Fostering collaboration and teamwork.
- We are curious: Encouraging continuous learning and innovation (a value embodied by The Hatch).
- We are wise stewards: Managing resources responsibly and focusing on long-term sustainability.
- We pursue excellence: A commitment to high standards in all operations.
The Support Center is the physical embodiment of these values. Its design—from the natural, wooded setting to the collaborative spaces—is intentionally crafted to reflect the company's Southern roots, friendly attitude, and unwavering commitment to its foundational principles. The overall atmosphere strives to create a workplace where employees feel they can thrive and belong, ensuring the corporate team is fully equipped to provide world-class support to the Chick-fil-A restaurants across the globe.
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