Chick-fil-A South Edmonton building.

As the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A's northernmost freestanding restaurant, Tom Messick is implementing several initiatives to care for his Team Members during cold weather conditions

At Chick-fil-A restaurants, keeping Team Members happy and healthy is always
job #1. As the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common in Edmonton, Alberta (Chick-fil-A's northernmost freestanding restaurant), Tom Messick is helping his Team Members stay safe and warm all winter long while they serve Guests.  

Chick-fil-A Team Members are known for going above and beyond to provide exceptional service, and that includes taking face-to-face orders in the drive-thru to enhance the Guest experience. While working outdoors is never required, Tom provides cold weather gear for those who do so at Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common, at no cost to Team Members. 

Staying Warm and Safe in the Drive-Thru 

Tom has made a large financial investment into cold-weather equipment to create a safe and comfortable environment for Team Members working outside in the drive-thru:

Heated Canopies: The restaurant’s drive-thru is equipped with canopies and heaters to provide a sheltered and warm workspace. 
Winter Apparel: A range of high-quality winter gear will be provided to Team Members at no cost, including jackets and snow pants, heated vest options, Tech Touch Gloves (allowing use of digital ordering screens without removal), hand and toe warmers, hats, and waterproof outerwear, shoes and shoe covers. 

Additionally, Tom has implemented several measures to ensure his team is cared for and supported during the winter season, such as:

Frequent Breaks and Rotations: Team Members take regular breaks to warm up indoors and rotate positions  
Hydration: We ensure Team Members have plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout their shifts. 
Reflective Safety Straps: For added safety, Team Members wear reflective straps while working in the drive-thru and parking lot. 
Monitoring Weather Conditions: During severe winter weather, such as blizzards, freezing rain, or extreme cold (between -26℃ and -40℃), we advise Team Members against working outdoors and consider allowing them to go home early if a storm is imminent. 

The restaurant will follow guidance from the Government of Alberta and an occupational health and safety consultant to ensure Team Member safety, which may result in drive-thru service being limited to speaker box ordering.

“On every level, Chick-fil-A cares,” said Tom Messick, Chick-fil-A South Edmonton Common Owner-Operator. “Caring for our Guests with face-to-face hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and Team Members need to be physically and emotionally supported to provide a welcoming experience to everyone who comes into contact with our restaurant.” 

Helping Maintain a Safe Environment Year-Round 

Tom’s commitment to safety extends well beyond the drive-thru. The restaurant works hard to help maintain clear and safe walkways, entryways and loading docks, keeping them free of snow and ice. Our parking lots are regularly plowed, sanded and well-lit.  

We also ensure the heating, ventilation, and monitoring systems are in top working order, including regular inspections and testing of carbon monoxide detectors. 

At Chick-fil-A, we believe in taking care of restaurant Team Members so they can continue spreading joy and smiles to our Guests. We are dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable and supportive work environment, no matter what mother nature throws our way.