Faith Matters: Belief Behind the Business

Most people go to Chick-fil-A for the food. Chelsea Weaver says for her it's because of the health options. "I think it's really good because it's fast food but it's really healthy. You can get healthier choices here."

But on Sunday's the doors are locked. No one's on the other side of the drive thru speakers, the restaurant shuts down. John Spenst is the franchise owner of the Chick-fil-A on Markham in Little Rock and he says there's a reason for that. "Everybody needs a day to rest. Whatever it is that they believe, whatever it is that they do with their day off we really do believe in the idea of giving people a day to spend time with their family. And if it is going to church a day for them to be able to go to church but a day for them to step back and take a deep breath."

This business plan came from Chick-fil-A's founder S. Truett Cathy and biblical values and principals is the core of their foundation. Spenst says, "Chick-fil-A's purpose statement is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that has been intrusted to us and have a positive influence to all that come in contact with us."

Ana Alcacio works at the restaurant. "I've been working here for three years and I just love Chick-fil-A."

Rebecca Morales, another employee says the atmosphere helps them exercise their faith while also doing their jobs. "We not only think about ourselves but we have to think about the people that we service. We have to look into every detail. Not just being like here's your meal but trying to make them feel like they're home."

Customers say it's service unusual for a fast food restaurant. Weaver adds, "They're always like my pleasure. They come to your table and refill your drink. I've never had service like that."

Those beliefs seem to have an affect on their profits and in a good way. A report by the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Commission lists the location across from Park Plaza Mall in Little Rock as the third highest grossing restaurant in the city and it's been this way for the past three years. They've made more money than even the most popular McDonald's.

Spenst says, "I want to be known for having been a good steward of the business that I have. "I think people come for the food but they end up staying because they feel that they are genuinely taken care of."

To be exact, the restaurant on Markham alone made more than $4.1 million dollars last year. The two restaurants that made more were Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Meanwhile the Chick-fil-A on Cantrell ranks 10th on the list of highest grossing restaurants in the city.

Also note, the report puts HMSHost first on the list of 'Top Little Rock Restaurants'. HMSHost is the combination of every restaurant at Little Rock's National Airport.