Mixed reactions to new Chick-fil-A pick-up system, lack of allergen-friendly options

Chick-fil-A officially opened in Armstrong Student Center in the fall semester of the 2025-2026 school year. It replaced the old location of Delicious Without, an allergen-friendly dining option. These healthier options are still available in the dining halls, despite the main location’s closure.

Senior Director of Dining Services Geno Svec said the university responded to years of Miami student feedback about replacing Delicious Without.

“While the Armstrong Student Center location has closed, we continue to provide dedicated allergen-friendly service at both Maplestreet and Western Dining Commons,” Svec said.

He also highlighted a “new concept” on Miami’s campus called Patio Grill, a location near Garden Dining Commons that Svec said is dedicated to being free of the top nine allergens. This location is in the process of being approved.

The Chick-fil-A is strictly a to-go restaurant, similar to other locations in Armstrong and Bell Tower Commons. However, the pick-up process differs from any other place on campus.

At other to-go dining locations, such as Panera, food can be ordered online through the Grubhub app or at one of the kiosks in Armstrong. Once the order is placed, it’s immediately added to the queue for the dining location to begin making the food. If students order through the app, they can place their orders on the go and pick up their food with limited wait time, while the food is still fresh.

At Chick-fil-A, orders can be placed through Grubhub. However, in order for the food order to begin preparation, students must go to Armstrong and “check in” at one of the kiosks located around the student center. After a student scans in and confirms they’ve arrived, the food is then added to the queue. This makes quick pick-ups difficult when students are busy and in a rush.

First-year student Dylan Meyers said that due to the rush of students ordering Chick-fil-A, pick-up times can take hours.

“The wait times can be really annoying,” Meyers said. “Sometimes it makes it not worthwhile, and they ran out of fries the one time I went. The whole system seems a little unorganized and chaotic. But I am glad we have more food options accessible to us.”

Chick-fil-A was busy the minute it opened. On its opening day, people were waiting nearly three hours for their food. While wait times have since died down, it remains relatively busy, with wait times of 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours.

First-year student Eliza McCarthy said she enjoys having it as an option while she’s using the study rooms at Armstrong.

“I like that we are getting more options and new places in Armstrong,” McCarthy said. “It’s a really convenient option for whenever I am in Armstrong for a long time, and it’s food I enjoy. The food is obviously good, and a lot of times the wait time is not as long as they tell you.”

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The added diversity to food options is a welcome benefit of the new location. Additionally, the new restaurant option has reduced wait times at other Armstrong dining locations, including Panera.

norrisl3@miamioh.edu