MERCEDES, TX (November 28, 2022) – The Mercedes community is set to welcome a brand-new Chick-fil-A® restaurant, opening on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Chick-fil-A, Inc. has appointed Amanda Esquivel, a local leader with deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley, as the independent franchised Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Mercedes, signaling a strong commitment to local entrepreneurship and community growth.
Located conveniently at 8007 E Expressway 83, near the popular Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, Chick-fil-A Mercedes is poised to become a dining destination for both residents and visitors. The restaurant will offer a full range of service options, including dine-in, drive-thru, curbside pickup, and carry-out, operating from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For seamless ordering, customers can utilize the Chick-fil-A® App or place orders online for pickup, dine-in, or even delivery. By joining the Chick-fil-A One® loyalty program, guests can earn points on every purchase, unlocking a variety of rewards and personalized offers. Delivery services can be explored further at chick-fil-a.com/delivery, ensuring that enjoying Chick-fil-A favorites is easier than ever in Mercedes.
This new location expands Chick-fil-A’s presence in the region, joining 16 existing restaurants in the wider Lower Rio Grande Valley market, demonstrating the brand’s growing investment in South Texas.
Locally Grown Leadership at Chick-fil-A Mercedes
Chick-fil-A distinguishes itself through its Owner/Operator model, where franchisees are not just managers but active, full-time leaders deeply embedded in their restaurants and local communities. Amanda Esquivel embodies this philosophy perfectly for Chick-fil-A Mercedes.
As the Owner/Operator, Esquivel will oversee all aspects of the restaurant’s operations, from managing a team of approximately 100 full- and part-time Team Members to ensuring exceptional guest experiences and fostering strong ties with local organizations and businesses in Mercedes.
Esquivel’s connection to the Rio Grande Valley is profound. Born and raised locally, she pursued higher education at the University of Texas Pan American, earning both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA. Her professional background includes experience in biopharmaceutical sales and as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of business management and customer relations. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to contribute to her community, Esquivel pursued her ambition to become a Chick-fil-A Operator.
“I’ve always felt strongly about developing thriving businesses and nurturing leadership qualities in individuals, and Chick-fil-A provides the ideal platform for both,” Amanda stated. “I am incredibly excited to invest further in the community where I grew up through Chick-fil-A Mercedes, and I am eager to start delivering remarkable experiences for our valued guests and Team Members alike.”
Investing in the Heart of Mercedes: Community Care and Job Creation
Reflecting Chick-fil-A’s commitment to community support, Chick-fil-A, Inc. is making a $25,000 donation to Feeding America in conjunction with the Mercedes restaurant opening. These funds will be channeled to local partners within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, directly supporting the fight against food insecurity in the region.
Furthermore, Chick-fil-A Mercedes is extending a special recognition to 100 local heroes who are making a significant difference in the Mercedes area. These individuals will be honored with free Chick-fil-A meals for a year, a gesture of gratitude for their service and dedication to the community.
Nurturing Talent: Team Member Opportunities at Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A Operators prioritize creating a positive and growth-oriented work environment for Team Members of all ages and backgrounds. Chick-fil-A Mercedes will offer flexible work schedules, opportunities for leadership development, competitive pay and benefits, comprehensive training, and mentorship programs. Moreover, Team Members can apply for scholarships to support their ongoing education through the Remarkable Futures Scholarship program, underscoring Chick-fil-A’s investment in its employees’ futures.
Savor the Flavor and Service Excellence of Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has built its reputation on serving delicious food crafted from high-quality ingredients, most famously the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich. This iconic sandwich features a real, whole, boneless chicken breast, prepared without fillers and pressure-cooked in refined peanut oil. Chick-fil-A was a pioneer in the industry in eliminating chicken raised with antibiotics, ensuring guests have access to high-quality, wholesome food choices on the go.
Complementing their signature chicken, Chick-fil-A restaurants receive fresh produce deliveries up to six times per week, guaranteeing optimal quality and flavor. These fresh ingredients are sourced from farmers who adhere to the company’s stringent standards for quality and safety, providing guests with confidence in their meal choices.
Stay updated on the latest news and happenings at Chick-fil-A Mercedes by visiting their local restaurant’s Facebook page and following them on Instagram. For broader information about Chick-fil-A and to explore stories about the brand’s food, people, and customers nationwide, please visit chick-fil-a.com.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Based in Atlanta, Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a leading restaurant company renowned for its Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and exceptional hospitality. Represented by a team of over 170,000 Team Members, Operators, and Staff, Chick-fil-A® restaurants serve freshly prepared meals at more than 2,700 locations across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy, this family-owned and privately held company is dedicated to serving the communities where its franchised restaurants operate.
Recognized for its leadership and employee growth opportunities, Chick-fil-A was honored as a Best Employer in America by Forbes in 2022 and as a top company for career advancement for Black employees by Glassdoor. The company also received Glassdoor’s Employee’s Choice award, recognizing top CEOs, and was named a Culture 500 Culture Champion in 2020. A leader in customer service, Chick-fil-A was named QSR magazine’s Drive-Thru Restaurant of the Year in 2021. Further information about Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and @ChickfilANews.
