Many companies have corporate social responsibility initiatives that encourage giving back. For Chick-fil-A, and its independent local franchised operators, supporting the communities where Chick-fil-A® brand restaurants serve is baked into its culture and core values (pun intended)! The company’s philanthropic Chick-fil-A Foundation created the True Inspiration Awards program to carry on Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service. Since 2015, 171 organizations in 33 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, have been awarded grants totaling $12 million. Last year’s 34 True Inspiration Awards recipients spanned two countries, 18 states and 29 cities, and positively impacted more than 230,000 individuals annually through their work.
Best known for its Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, Chick-fil-A also aims to be the world’s most caring company by giving back to society and creating a legacy of generosity and service. Chick-fil-A, and its independent franchised operators, are now bringing that social impact to Canada.
We recently interviewed Wilson Yang, a former participant in the Chick-fil-A® Leadership Development Program who is now the owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A® franchised restaurant located at Yonge and Bloor. He walked us through his journey on how being involved in his local community in Canada has changed his workplace perspective, and how young professionals can learn more about the restaurant industry through the Chick-fil-A® Leadership Development Program.
A bit about Wilson:
Wilson Yang is an owner/operator of the Chick-fil-A® restaurant located at Yonge and Bloor in Ontario, Canada. Wilson started his career at a local Chick-fil-A® restaurant as a Team Member and then joined the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program before being selected as an independent owner/operator. He is responsible for leading his team of restaurant directors focused on creating remarkable experiences for guests while leading a dynamic team of 60+ team members.
Wilson was first inspired to apply for a role at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant as a Team Member through his interest in the restaurant and hospitality industry, along with the company’s values revolving around providing a culture of care and positive influence. “While [working] at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant as a Team Member and during my time with Chick-fil-A in the Leadership Development Program, my purpose and passion intersected. I love the restaurant industry and I love people, which has led me to my current role as a Chick-fil-A franchised Operator [or as a Chick-fil-A restaurant business owner].”
The Joy of Giving Back
Curious about what drives Wilson, we asked if he could share with us why he enjoys giving back to the community and how he stays motivated in this regard. “I was once in a position where I relied on the aid and support of people outside of my family,” shares Wilson. “I am very appreciative of those individuals who helped me when times were tough. Without them, I would not be where I am today. Because of my personal experiences, I prioritize giving back to the community in whatever ways I can.”
How Chick-fil-A® Does Its Part to Help
As for one shining example of how Chick-fil-A serves local communities, did you know Chick-fil-A has various disaster relief initiatives? Alongside its independent franchised business owners, Chick-fil-A® provides food to those affected by such disasters, and goes the extra mile by providing transportation to those in need as well. “Chick-fil-A and its local restaurant operators work hard to enrich the lives of all people, as a way to give back to our communities,” says Wilson.
Meaningful Chick-fil-A® Experiences
Wilson’s most rewarding Chick-fil-A experience was when he nominated the Yonge Street Mission as a candidate for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award in 2021. “Out of the 100s of nominations, Yonge Street Mission was selected as the recipient of a $300,000 donation from Chick-fil-A,” says Wilson. Wilson explains, “As an Operator, I am involved with two weekly programs at the Yonge Street Mission. I participate in the food donation program through their community kitchen and provide weekly donations of freshly prepared hot Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwiches to community members in need.” Needless to say, giving back and making an impact in local communities play a big part in what makes being a Chick-fil-A franchised Operator so fulfilling.
A Future with Chick-fil-A®
If you are interested in building your leadership skills, providing excellent service, and making a difference in your community, joining the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program may be a great place to start your career. For interested applicants, here is some advice Wilson had to share from his time in the program as a participant, “Behind every result is a person. Leverage your relationships with people, despite how different you might be.”
To build your network, meet with recruiters and/or current participants, stay up to date with the Chick-fil-A Leadership Development Program through our next virtual event on the TalentEgg employer profile events page. If a meaningful career with Chick-fil-A resonates with your personal values, check out current job openings on our website!