I just wrote a review for a Yelp event I went to on Tuesday for Raising Cane's in Gambrills, and I thought of this brand new Chick Fil-A next to Raising Cane's in Columbia. Chick Fil-A had a grand opening all day yesterday (Thursday, 4/2) where if you dress like a cow or something to kind of represent a cow you get a free CFA sandwich, nuggets, etc. I had heard about this several days earlier from Nextdoor. Someone was asking what was going where Boston Market & Bertucci's was. In the comments, someone provided the Chick Fil-A grand opening info. I didn't realize the Bertucci's had closed about 9 months earlier, and I had been to Raising Cane's Columbia twice; so shows how unobservant I am sometimes. Turns out the Boston Market site will be Pollo Campero. So, it's crazy 3 chicken places right in a row, but more power to Chick Fil-A & Pollo Campero if they want to compete with Raising Cane's although all three of them have their unique style.
The new Chick Fil-A was more good than bad. My girlfriend & I went for dinner on the earlier side around 5:30 as she was concerned it could be a madhouse, and we had a 6:50 movie. Crowds were reasonable, only waited a few minutes in line. Woman was handing out stuffed cows to kids & even adults too; we got one. We ordered separately to make things easier.
My only real complaint was the cashier who was probably a teenager was unfriendly, no smile or friendliness & a ditz. I bought a medium waffle fries. I was trying to get points, and she didn't answer if it went through. She got my cup of water. She rudely said you haven't paid yet, and I said I know, I was waiting for you to tell me the total. My girlfriend said that she was rude to her too saying that you know you only get for dressing up, and my g/f said yeah that's why I'm here, and we are all here. Then, she said the total of $8 something not taking off the free sandwich.
Our food came out quickly. Waffle fries & sandwich were great. Fries weren't too salty, which occasionally can be an issue at CFA. Sandwich was moist & good seasoning; sometimes the CFA sandwich can be a little dry. Overall, it was very good, efficient well oiled machine, with mostly nice staff except for the cashier.
In all honesty, it's unlikely I'll be back at this location as I live near CFA, and I'd go to Raising Cane's next door as they have Texas toast & superior tasting chicken tenders. Plus, my nearest Raising Cane's is this location next door to me about 10 miles from my home. I don't like going to places that are within a mile of my home because I can go to Chick Fil-A, Chipotle, Charley's, Jersey Mike's, etc. anytime as they are close to home, and I'd go to a restaurant I can't get right near my home. read more