Chick-fil-A surprises its customers with its latest innovation: a vending machine.
The popular fast food chain launched its first limited-edition vending machine in an unexpected location: Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia.
The machine is a temperature-controlled refrigerator with a touch screen to choose what you want, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson said. The Independent. The spokesperson also noted that the machine is “located near a Chick-fil-A on the hospital campus,” adding that “menu items will be restocked by local team members.”
Some of the Chick-fil-A items sold at this machine include the Southwest Veggie Wrap with Creamy Sauce for $7.99 and the Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap with Avocado Lime Ranch for $8.49.
And like any other vending machine, you can count on Chick-fil-A's to provide you with a snack. This includes the brand's recently launched Waffle Fries in its two flavors, original and Chick-fil-A sauce, for $2.09 each.
The machine aims to “provide another way to meet customers wherever they are, such as late at night when other food options may not be available.” However, like Chick-fil-A restaurants, the vending machine will not be open on Sundays.
Photos of the new vending machine at Georgie's have also been shared on X, with fans mocking it and making fun of the fact that it's in a hospital.
“Is this a joke?” one tweeted, while another wrote: “No wonder there is a health crisis in America.”
“So what's the point omg?” a third responded.
A fourth joked: “I don't want raw, half-heated chicken wings.”
Account X from the Georgia hospital's Urology Residency Program even shared her thoughts on the new vending machine.
“The only Chick-fil-A vending machine in the country is in our hospital. It sells wraps and fries. It's restocked every 18 hours. How's that for the well-being of the residents?!?” wrote the account.
This is just the latest step for Chick-fil-A to expand its business. Last month, the company announced its all-drinks restaurant, Daybright. The new restaurant, which will open its first metro Atlanta location this fall, will focus on a curated beverage menu including specialty coffees, smoothies and cold-pressed juices.
In particular, the concept will avoid overlaps with Chick-fil-A's existing beverage offerings. Therefore, Chick-fil-A staples such as lemonade, frozen lemonade, smoothies and certain coffees will not appear on Daybright's menu. More information about the Daybright beverage line will be released in the coming months.
