Chick-fil-A to launch app with original entertainment

The animated adventures of the Chick-fil-A Cows will be featured on the new app. | Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A.

Chick-fil-A is looking to market its brand where kids are, and these days that means their screens.

Starting Nov. 18, the Atlanta-based chain is launching a new app called Chick-fil-A Play with original content and entertainment. 

The goal is to create a “digital playground” where parents and kids can share experiences together, whether at home or waiting in the drive-thru, the company said.

“Hospitality and fun have always been at the core of the Chick-fil-A family experience, whether inside our restaurants and play areas, or through our kids meals,” said Dustin Britt, the chain’s executive director of brand strategy, in a statement. “The Chick-fil-A Play app is a digital extension of that experience and another way we’re reimagining ‘play’ for our guests, in a unique way through entertainment that really encourages time together.”

On the app, for example, will be content like original animated shows. In 2022, Chick-fil-A launched the holiday series of shorts called “Stories of Evergreen Hills,” and that storyline continues with the new “Legends of Evergreen Hills.” There are also the animated adventures of the Chick-fil-A Cows—both of which can be watched through a TV or tablet.

The content also includes original scripted podcasts for kids; games, jokes and conversation starters; and video-based recipes and kid-friendly crafts; as well as family-friendly e-books and interactive stories.

A growing number of restaurant brands are developing more entertainment-focused marketing initiatives.

Chuck E. Cheese is working on a game show with Magical Elves, the production company behind “Top Chef.” 

And Starbucks earlier this summer announced the creation of Starbucks Studios, with the goal of creating original entertainment that tells “stories that deepen connections and spark conversations.” The coffeehouse chain has partnered with Sugar23, a multimedia production and talent management company.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.