Fast-food chains make menu changes for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes they want to delight customers with something new. Or a chain might bring back a menu item that customers have clamored for.
And in some cases a chain must make the difficult decision to take something off the menu. That's much harder to do because even the least-popular items have their fans.
For example, most people might not even remember the McDonald's (MCD) Fish McBites or Onion Nuggets, but a few remain angry that the company took them off the menu.
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Why change at all? Sales are a factor but not the only one. In some cases an item might get removed because it slows production in the kitchen. That happened to McDonald's beloved Snack Wraps.
Or a chain might take something away specifically to be able to give into public demand and bring it back. That's happened with Yum Brands' (YUM) Taco Bell, which took its popular Mexican Pizza off the menu during the covid pandemic.
At the time, the choice was made because the pizza was too hard to make and speed of service had grown more important when most business had shifted to drive-through and delivery.
That may have been true, but the reality is that Taco Bell executives always knew that the change was temporary and a triumphant return was always part of the plan.
That's not what happened at Chick-fil-A.
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Chick-fil-A Decides Not to Make a Menu Change
Chick-fil-A had planned to eliminate its side salad on April 1. Some of its locations disclosed the plan on their social-media accounts.
"We are spring cleaning here at Chick-fil-A and taking this opportunity to refresh our menu. The side salad's last day will be April 1," the chain's Tifton, Ga., location said.
The salad, while not as popular as the chain's waffle fries, offered an option for customers looking for something not fried.
"A fresh bed of mixed greens, topped with a blend of shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses and grape tomatoes. Prepared fresh daily. Served with charred tomato, crispy red bell peppers and choice of dressing," the fast-food giant described on its website.
Not fried, of course, is not the same as healthy, as the side salad clocks in at 470 calories (depending on your choice of dressing). That's more than the chain's medium waffle fries (420) and its mac & cheese (450).
In any event side-salad fans were not thrilled with the decision and made that known on social media. And because of the complaints, the company reversed its decision.
“At Chick-fil-A, our guests come first. Based on feedback, we have decided not to proceed with removing our side salad from the menu,” the chain said in a statement. “We will continue serving the item at participating restaurant locations and hope customers continue to enjoy this menu offering.”
Chick-fil-A will also be adding watermelon mint Lemonade to its menu.
The well-loved chain, which does not open on Sundays also has three entree salads on its menu. In addition, its kale salad can be ordered as a side dish.
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