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McDonald’s Attempts to Bring Chick-Fil-A to Manhattan
While most typical fast food places (McD’s, BK, Wendy’s) are not considered for this site, there are a few chains that would be welcomed with open arms into the canon of acceptable Midtown Lunches if they were to decide to grace us with a franchise. In N Out Burger, Baja Fresh, and Panda Express would be my personal dreams come true, and I know for a fact that there are alot of you who feel the same way about Chick Fil A. As many commenters have mentioned, there is one in the NYU dining hall, but “technically” you need to be a student to check it out.
Last year, to steal business compete with Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s introduced the “Southern Style Chicken Sandwich” to their menu, which stealsis supposed to replicate the Chick-Fil-A experience. Well, after months of trying the sandwich out in various markets, Midtown Lunch’er Andre Mika (who writes one of my favorite blogs- www.forkny.com) has brought to our attention that the sandwich has arrived in New York City. I haven’t had Chick-Fil-A in over 20 years (and I freaking hate McDonald’s), so to investigate this one, I’ve turned the case over to Andre, who is not only from the south (Louisiana), he is also a huge Chick-Fil-A fan. Here is what he discovered…
The premise was too good to be true. McDonald’s, king of the “clone and sell a billion” fast food culture had introduced their new “Southern Style” chicken sandwich. To those of us who understand the McDonald’s mentality, it meant one thing. They had knocked off the famous Chick-Fil-A sandwich.
So let’s cut to the chase…
How is it? Well, that depends on your out of control craving for an actual Chick-Fil-A sandwich. If you are like me, a New Yorker who at one time lived with a few miles of Chick-Fil-A, and had access to the champion of all chicken sandwiches whenever you pleased, the sandwich is damn fine. If you get your Chick-Fil-A fill whenever you want it, the sandwich is a solid but failed attempt to dethrone the champ.
BRASS TACKS:
What They Got Right- The bun is soft and chewy, if not a bit sweaty like a real Chick-Fil-A. They give you a swipe of butter on the top bun, and 2 dill pickle slices, just like the real smack daddy. All “Southern Style” sandwiches I have tried have been hot, which is essential in either the Chick-Fil-A or McDonald’s versions.
What They Missed- Instead of the hot “foil” bag, McDonald’s uses their cardboard box. On top of that, the image on the box is that of a girl and a guy on a swing, with the girl’s leg slung over the guy’s. Strike 1. The chicken filet itself isn’t odd shaped and thick in places… like the Chick-Fil-A breast. Strike 2. The marinade is so light that they don’t capture the flavor of the original. Strike 3.
Final Thoughts: You could do a lot worse at McDonalds. Even though the sandwich has it faults, it is way above average for the chain, and the closest knock-off I have ever tasted. But in the words of Marvin Gaye, “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing Baby…”
Written by Andre Mika from http://www.forkny.com/
Posted: April 23rd, 2008 under Fast Food Chains.
Comments: 37
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Comments
Comment from DocChuck
Time: April 23, 2008, 3:11 pm
As an educated gentleman (a PhD, if that excites you) originally from The South, I can assure you that nothing McDonalds serves can compare to Chick-Fil-A in any respect.
My wife agrees with me on this of course. She can trace her ancestery to Sam Houston, by the way.
Comment from talida
Time: April 23, 2008, 3:29 pm
I literally gasped when reading this post’s title in my RSS feeder. For a second I thought, maybe, the goodness of Chick-Fil-A has finally arrived here in the city. I, too, grew up in the South and nothing will ever, ever compare to Chick-Fil-A.
Comment from Boyd
Time: April 23, 2008, 3:53 pm
Why would you tempt us so??? I was so happy I thought a Chick-Fil-A was opening up here and I was actually talking about it last night about how amazing it would be. The best part about Chick-Fil-A is how great everything is and really isn’t all *that* bad for you. If you want to die of congestive heart failure may I highly recommend the cajun filet biscuit from Bojangles.
Comment from Dan
Time: April 23, 2008, 4:24 pm
BLASPHEMY!
Comment from Miss Menu
Time: April 23, 2008, 4:28 pm
So cruel, so cruel! Truitt Cathy must be cracking up over McDonald’s weak, weak attempt. I love that they even copied the signature pickle slice.
Thanks for saving me the hassle (and the heartache), Andre.
Comment from wonders
Time: April 23, 2008, 4:59 pm
Aw I thought I was going to read something about Chick Fil A coming to nyc…..
NYU Weinstein hall’s Chick Fil A would be the quick fix you can get when you’re craving some. It’s not quite up to par but it’s there and it’s close. I don’t think McDonalds would even be at that level…
Weinstein Hall cafeteria is open to the public, you do not need an NYU ID to get in or pay.
Comment from Teen Wolf
Time: April 23, 2008, 5:42 pm
I had this sandwich from McDonald’s the other day and it sucks. The chicken was so juicy that I was grossed out, wondering what the juice was and where it came from. Chick-Fil-A need not worry. If McDonald’s ripped off their Polynesian sauce…now that would be a travesty.
Comment from EJC
Time: April 24, 2008, 9:45 am
Hyperbole much? While it’s by no means real ChickFilA, it fills the void when you don’t want to rent a car and drive to a mall in NJ, or sneak into an NYU dorm and eat their soggy, subpar sandwiches. (I’m a bit of an addict - I freeze party trays of nuggets when I visit family down South and fly them back up).
As I’m sure everyone’s aware, the ChickFilA secret is a pickle juice marinade. In my limited taste tests, the McD’s breakfast chicken biscuits have had a much more pronounced pickle flavor (in a good way).
I’m hoping that these stick around, esp with $1 sweet tea.
Comment from I heart Wenby’s
Time: April 24, 2008, 11:02 am
In mega-chain news, according to the NYTimes, Arby’s just bought out Wendy’s. What does that mean for their menus? Could this be a ML revolution??
Comment from I heart Wenby’s
Time: April 24, 2008, 11:05 am
Actually, to clarify, it’s the owner of Arby’s (Triarc) that’s buying Wendy’s.
Comment from Dombrooks
Time: April 24, 2008, 11:06 am
The Chik-Fil-A cannot and will not be replicated - or even come close to - by any other food establishment unless they start pressure cooking/frying the chicken breasts and using the proper batter and seasoning. The pressure fry is what makes the Chik-Fil-A sandwich the absolute BOMB. So tender but with a beatiful firmness to it. Nothing compares.
I also think a lot of respected chain resturants (In and Out, Chik Fil A) don’t want to open in NYC as the resturant will go to sh*t from a cleanliness and service perspective.
Comment from 30RockDenizen
Time: April 24, 2008, 12:12 pm
Do they also serve imitation waffle fries now?
Comment from Anonymous
Time: April 24, 2008, 1:20 pm
I actually thought the McD’s sammich was pretty good, but I’ve only had Chick-fil-A a few times so I don’t have the emotional attachment that others seem to have. :)
Comment from Marina
Time: April 24, 2008, 1:39 pm
I’ll try it!
I was in Florida this past weekend & ate at Chik-Fil-A twice. I prefer the chargrilled over the original. But they were both so tasty and juicy and flavorful. Yum. I even bought one to eat on the plane, HAHA!
Comment from Danny
Time: April 24, 2008, 2:15 pm
Don’t even remember what chik-fil-a taste like anymore but I want to try this!
Comment from stan
Time: April 24, 2008, 8:15 pm
tried it. so bland. waste of time.
Comment from BronxBrinerGal
Time: April 25, 2008, 11:21 am
The only Chik-Fil-A experience I’ve ever had was one original sandwich at the Atlanta Airport location… but it was amazingly good. I brought it on my flight. Local Southerners sitting around me were wistful, letting me know that the Airport location just wasn’t as good as the stand alone restaurants. It was still very good.
I’m going to try one for lunch today, if I see it on the menu at my McD’s on 35th and 8th.
Comment from Ben
Time: April 25, 2008, 11:49 am
Don’t get it. I’ve had Chik-fil-A, and it tasted like typical fast food crap, so why would I try a knock off with so many great food options in New York?
There must be some romantic appeal to these fast food joints that transplants no longer have access to. After I moved to New York I quickly forgot about all the mediocre food I grew up on.
Comment from bobo
Time: April 25, 2008, 12:06 pm
Try the Popeye’s chicken sandwich.
Comment from Rick
Time: April 25, 2008, 12:49 pm
We definitely need a Panda Express in midtown.
Comment from bronxbrinergal
Time: April 26, 2008, 7:15 pm
I wasted my money. It didn’t taste bad, it just was very basic and not worth the price. And it tasted nothing like the real thing. And I only got 2 pickle chips! And they didn’t have the sweet tea at the location I went to. Grrr.
Comment from Dombrooks
Time: April 28, 2008, 12:40 pm
Tried this chicken sando on Friday - was pretty good. Liked the bun and the consistenancy of the chicken breast - very juicy that is for sure. Its good but not great - worth trying though if you like simple fried chicken sandos.
Comment from dyno
Time: April 28, 2008, 4:09 pm
Having had McDonald’s version (btw in the south the original billboards for their southern style sandwich made a mention along the lines of “We’re open Sundays.” with their clonewich along with pickle protruding from the bun where displayed.
The sandwich, like much of crapdonalds (minus breakfast) sucks.
I was in SC this week and lived it up @ Chic-Fil-A two or three times. Glory.
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Comment from cool dad
Time: April 29, 2008, 1:19 pm
If you’re curious, but cheap, McD’s is offering the sandwich free with the purchase of a drink.
Local date may vary. Mine is sometime this week.
Comment from Jenifer
Time: April 29, 2008, 10:25 pm
Being a displaced Southerner in NYC and HUGE fan of Chick-Fil-A (always the first stop immediatley after leaving the airport in Birmingham), I was THRILLED when I saw that McD’s is finally bringing the Southern style sandwich AND sweet tea to NYC!!!
No it’s not Chick-Fil-A, but it’s a damn good substition :) Truth be told, I had it Sunday and Tuesday for lunch
Comment from mark
Time: April 29, 2008, 11:18 pm
this might be a dumb question but….why isn’t there a chick fil a in NYC?
Comment from UrbanCowgirl
Time: April 30, 2008, 12:15 pm
I actually asked that same question to the VP of Marketing at Chic-fil-A during an unrelated business meeting (very professional of me, huh?). He said he’s been asked this question a zillion times and that there are several factors involved. One main problem is that Chick-fil-A is a christian organization and all of their franchises are required to be closed on Sunday–this, coupled with the high cost of real-estate in NYC lowers cost-effectiveness. They are also concerned about keeping their standards of quality in tact. I’ve got to say, they are a nice company (except for the one guy at the drive through who laughed at my order of a large chicken sandwich combo, fudge brownie, mayo, and DIET COKE–glad he found that amusing and I’m not bitter at all) and, back in TN, I saw them put several friends through college.
Comment from Nee
Time: April 30, 2008, 2:13 pm
I tried the southern style chicken sandwich from McDonald’s yesterday when they were offering a free sandwich with the purchase of a large sweetened ice tea. I must say that as a former North Carolinian and fan of Chick Fil A, the sandwich came pretty close. With a packet of McDonald’s Real Mayonnaise it was even better. The only thing missing was a cup of cole slaw on the side. I think it would be in McDonald’s best interest to do away with the Crispy Chicken sandwich (Yuck) and make this a permanent menu item. That’s just my opinion.
Comment from sandra
Time: May 1, 2008, 10:37 am
I tried the sandwich in midtown, thought it was great. I tried it again in Queens, and it had cheese on it. Regional difference in the boroughs, perhaps? :P
BTW…the cheese was NOT a welcome addition.
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Comment from San Francisco Area Chick-Fil-A Lover
Time: May 5, 2008, 5:08 pm
I tried it a couple weeks ago and it’s a pretty good sandwich, but alas, nothing like Chick-Fil-a. The reason it will be a long time coming in NYC is the same reason we don’t have any here in the San Francisco area (although there are several in Sacramento and the closest is in Fairfield, CA). Remember, that they are closed on Sunday and try making it being down one day a week in a high cost location.
Comment from alerievay
Time: May 8, 2008, 1:35 pm
I tried this today. It doesn’t really satisfy the Chick-fil-A craving, but it’s the best chicken offering at McD’s (not that it’s saying much). The bun and general consistency of the chicken are good and close to the original. The marinade is not right and is much more bland than the original. I think they forgot the pickle juice. I’m also sure these are not fried in peanut oil like the original; this version is soggier and greasier. There’s a somewhat unpleasant aftertaste of grease that you don’t get with the original.
Comment from Ignorant but Happy
Time: May 8, 2008, 5:14 pm
Maybe it’s because I’ve never had Chick-fil-A, or maybe it’s because I love McDonalds (sans the filet-o-fish), but this baby was money…I had it on a road trip to Vermont this past weekend, and I was so pleased with the sandwhich that I stopped at another Mickey D’s an hour later to have one more…and I never stop twice. Anyway, for those who have never had Chick-fil-A, I suggest you try it out.
Comment from MM
Time: May 14, 2008, 10:56 am
On Thursday, customers who buy any medium or large drink at McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants can receive a free Southern-style sandwich or breakfast biscuit.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-tue-mcdonalds-chicken-may13,0,3875055.story
Comment from exiled Southerner
Time: May 14, 2008, 4:34 pm
As an Atlanta ex-pat living in NYC, I too was intrigued by the “Southern style” chicken sandwich. I kept saying to myself, “Southern style? Really?”, knowing that it must be a full-blown blitz at Chik-fil-A, a noncombatant in the 5 boroughs. And I had a free coupon, so what the hell. Know what? Not bad. If Chik-fil-A rates a 10 (and btw, they do), then I give McD’s a 7. Will I have it again? Sure. Would I ever have one in the South? No way.
But I must say, it’s been a few hours since lunch and I still can’t shake that McDonald’s aftertaste. Eww…
Comment from Anonymous Sotherner
Time: May 23, 2008, 7:25 am
Mcdonalds can never even hope to stand against Chick Fil A,at least not down here.I too have tried the Mcdonalds version (I was in Pennsylvania at the time,so don’t call me a sellout),and it was,well,what you’d expect from Mcdonalds.One of the things that I really hated,it wasn’t handcut like Chick Fil A,and besides that,it tasted nothing like what I was used too (and there was no honey mustard to put on the sandwich,well there was,just not Chick Fil A honey mustard).I would not reccomend it to anyone.
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