By TR Robertson
There were lots of smiles going around on Wednesday afternoon at the new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Vista, but no one was smiling more than long time Chick-fil-A employee and first-time franchise owner Luis Gomez. Luis beamed as he took part in the Vista Chamber of Commerce Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marking the opening of the restaurant. A large contingent of Chick-fil-A staff members, from their home base offices in Atlanta, were present, many who have spent a while in Vista helping train staff and work with Luis helping him as a first-time owner.
Leading those in attendance in explaining a little about Chick-fil-A was Chick-fil-A Event Planner/Marketing Support Mary Thomas. Mary spoke about the early history of the restaurant and the accomplishment of so many in bringing the restaurant to Vista. She introduced the new independent franchised owner/operator Luis Gomes. Luis has been with Chick-fil-A since 2010 when he served as a Team Member while he was in college in Bryan, Texas. He advanced through various leadership positions and by 2013 had pursued a Hotel and Restaurant Management degree at the University of Houston. In 2017 he was accepted into the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program. While in the program he helped open 13 Chick-fil-A restaurants. After 12 years with the company, this will be his first restaurant he can call his own.
Luis thanked all those in attendance including his family, the Atlanta based team that had been so integral in getting the restaurant open, Kory Mathews and Julio Barrintos – Grand Opening Supervisors, Shawn Kirby from the Schimenti Construction company – responsible for building the restaurant, the employees that have been hired to work at this restaurant and all of the members of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vista government offices and the other guests in attendance. He also spoke about wanting to make a difference in the community and partnering with churches, schools, and food banks to show support. In a press release, from the company “Being a part of Chick-fil-A for more than a decade has opened countless doors for me and has given me the opportunity to not only make chicken but make a difference. The word restaurant is derived from the French verb, “restaurer,” which means to restore – I feel humbled to lead and provide a place for our team members and guests to come for restoration.” He said they had received over 800 applications for employment and have hired around 180 employees.
Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce welcomed Luis and Chick-fil-A to Vista and presented proclamations from County Supervisor Jim Desmond and Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s Office welcoming Chick-fil-A to Vista. State Senator Patricia Bates representative also presented Luis with a welcome proclamation. Vista Councilman Joe Green gave an enthusiastic welcome to Vista for Luis, noting that Chick-fil-A has the reputation as being the politest restaurant in the nation. He also read the Vista Mission Statement which alludes to bringing in businesses to Vista and the cheerful outlook the city brings to everyone. Joe introduced Deputy Mayor John Franklin who also welcomed Luis and Chick-fil-A to the community and saying the restaurant is his favorite.
The photo op for the Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony consisted of Luis with family members, Luis with Team Leaders and Friends and the Red Ribbon was officially cut with everyone from the first two groups and Vista Chamber, City Council, Fire Department, and other government officials. All in attendance were also treated to ordering what ever they wanted for lunch and to drink. Chick-fil-A is known for their fresh daily made lemonade, which can also be paired with sweet tea for Arnold Palmers. Chick-fil-A travel cups and small Holstein cow stuffed animals holding “Eat More Chikin” signs were also available.
In a quick interview with Luis before entering the restaurant he spoke about the importance of the restaurant providing first time jobs for many of the employees and how important this was for their life skill journey. He said they have also partnered with RBV High School, Vista High and Mission Vista High and will be contacting Guajome High School.
Chick-fil-A began in 1946 with the founding of a restaurant by S. Truett Cathy, called the Dwarf Grill, in Hapeville, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. The Dwarf Grill was a 24-hour diner that had 10 stools at the counter. It would later be called the Dwarf House. Cathy would develop the Original Chicken Sandwich in 1964 consisting of breaded chicken breast, 2 pickles on a toasted butter bun. By 1967 his restaurant would be called Chick-fil-A, the A relating to what he felt is their Grade A quality. In 1967 he would also open the 1st Chick-fil-A in the Atlanta Greenbriar Mall. The first “Eat More Chikin” ad campaign, using Holstein cows, would appear on billboards and on T.V. Over the years over 2,000 Chick-fil-A’s have been built in 47 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and Washington, D.C. The only states without a Chick-fil-A are Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont. They are also known for unique restaurant designs like the 2-story restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina that uses conveyor belts to take food to the second story and the new 3-story Chick-fil-A in Manhattan in NYC. The restaurant on E. Colorado Blvd in Pasadena has won design architectural awards and the restaurant is on the Advertising Walk of Fame in New York City.
The corporation also provides Team Member Scholarships, Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards for non-profits and Chick-fil-A Shared Table which has provided over 10 million meals to soup kitchens, shelters, and non-profits. In honor of the opening Chick-fil-A, Inc. will be donating $25,000 to Feeding America.
The Vista Chick-fil-A is located at 475 Hacienda Drive, corner of Vista Village and Highway 78 across from the Food for Less Shopping Center. They will be open from 6:30 am until 9 pm Monday thru Saturday, closed on Sundays. If this Chick-fil-A is like other Chick-fil-A’s the lines will be long because they are so popular, but the food is well worth the wait and the service will be outstanding – a Grade A Quality.
