Touching Alabama story shows why Chick-fil-A was just named America's favorite fast food

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant Report 2016, Chick-fil-A is the highest rated fast-food restaurant in the country. With an incredible 87 out of 100 score, the fried chicken chain boasted a five point cushion over the second-place finisher: Papa John’s.

Founded in Georgia, the restaurant has long been a favorite of Alabamians and has an incredible number of locations in the Heart of Dixie. With 74 locations, Chick-fil-A has one restaurant for every 70,000 Alabamians.

“They have a pretty limited selection of offerings and are really focused on chicken and chicken sandwiches,” said Forrest Morgeson, director of research at American Customer Satisfaction Index. “They focus on what they do best, and it does well.”

The company’s success could be equally attributed to their popular food items and their commitment to “family values,” Chick-fil-A’s culture is influenced by its founder Truett Cathy’s Southern Baptist beliefs; all Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed for business on Sunday as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But perhaps more than any data point or quote, the actions of Alabama Chick-fil-A employees show why their chain is number one.

When Andrea Stoker carried her young son into a Birmingham Chick-fil-A to pass the time during their dog’s vet appointment next door, she had no idea she’d end up turning the store’s owner into a viral Internet star for all the right reasons.

But that’s exactly what happened after she posted the following message and image on Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page.

I’m a Chick-fil-A fan and have been for years. I trust the food for my son and support companies that are founded on Christian beliefs.

What I saw today just confirms why this chain is so successful — God blesses His people.

My son and I were at the location on Highway 280 in Birmingham, AL when a man came in to escape the 35 degree temps and strong winds with all of his earthly possessions strapped to his back.

Most businesses would force him out, but I watched as the manager walked up to him and asked if he could do anything for him. Before the man could even answer, the manager asked if he had a pair of gloves and walked to the table at which he’d been sitting and picked up his own. As he handed the man his gloves, he asked another employee to get him something to eat.

It was wonderful to see your employees being the hands and feet of Jesus, and that my son was able to witness it all. Thank you for putting your money where your mouth is.

As the post spread on Facebook, more and more stories began to come out about the store’s owner, Mark Meadows, who apparently has an extensive history of doing simple acts of kindness for complete strangers.

One commenter noted that “this is also the same owner who, while drivers were stuck on 280 during the ice storm in January, fed an many stranded motorists as possible. Mark is truly an amazing person!”

A waitress at another local restaurant had a great Mark Meadows story to share as well.

“He (ate) at my work ((Applebee’s cullman)) not long ago, left me a $35 tip and paid for the tables bill beside me,” she wrote. “Said he did it once a month an leaves them a Chick-fil-A card in place of their bill. Amazing man!”

And another commenter shared a story that illustrates the culture of service that has been cultivated by Chick-fil-A restaurants all over the Birmingham area and around the country.

“I was in the CFA on Hwy 31 in Hoover several months ago and saw something similar,” she wrote. “It was pouring rain, and they had let a homeless man stay most of the day and given him food and had also gotten him some clothes from Burlington Coat Factory. So wonderful to see the love of Christ put into action to meet someone’s needs. LOVE Chick-Fil-A!!!!!”

After all of this, all we can really think to say is…