How Chick-fil-A & Zero Hour Health Work To Protect Its Brand, Team Members, and Customers

Chick-fil-A is one of the safest, most customer-focused brands in the restaurant industry. Behind that trust is a rigorous approach to employee health and crisis response—anchored by its partnership with Zero Hour Health.

Industry veteran Steven Lyon, PhD, CFA’s Sr. Leader for Field Operations, shares a behind-the-scenes look at this collaboration.

"Healthy team members mean thriving businesses. This partnership reinforces trust—for team members, operators, and guests."
Building a Best-in-Class Response System
Before the pandemic, Chick-fil-A proactively brought on Zero Hour Health - giving them the foundation to act quickly when crisis struck.

"It was such a blessing to have the partnership before COVID. We had a best-in-class resource we could leverage while trying to make decisions during the pandemic."

Going Beyond Foodborne Illness
Chick-fil-A's food safety scope has expanded well beyond traditional pathogens.

"We needed to move beyond just the big six foodborne illnesses... We're focused now on flu, COVID, tuberculosis, measles—all the disruptors that impact operations and health."

This shift recognizes that modern risk management isn't just about avoiding outbreaks—it's about creating an experience where team members and customers feel safe every day.
Outbreak Response In Minutes, Not Days
Rapid deployment of employee testing, on-site nurse visits, and health department relationships allows Chick-fil-A to manage emerging threats without them escalating to public crises.

"If there's a local outbreak, Zero Hour Health helps us notify operators immediately. Whether it's a hepatitis A lab result or fecal sampling, they’re ready with expert response."

4. Business Continuity: Avoid Closures, Preserve Trust 
In 2023, Chick-fil-A avoided multiple restaurant closures thanks to their top-tier team working together with ZHH:

"A single day closure could mean $30,000 to $50,000 in lost sales and expenses. Avoiding that is huge for the operator, and even more important for preserving customer trust."

Zero Hour Health's impact goes beyond health—it ties directly into business continuity.
Empowering Operators Without Risking Compliance
As a heavily franchised brand, Chick-fil-A faces legal constraints on how involved corporate can be in local health decisions.

"Operators can connect with Zero Hour Health directly—they get answers fast, without putting Chick-fil-A Inc. in a tough legal spot... That’s crucial in a franchise system."

This model allows each store to act quickly, confidently, and in full compliance with health and employment law.
A Partnership Aligned in Purpose

"You find the right supplier partner with the same values and purpose—and you just make each other stronger."

From mental health and Narcan training to emerging infectious disease alerts, Chick-fil-A relies on Zero Hour Health to stay ahead of what’s next.

"Healthy team members mean thriving businesses. This partnership reinforces trust—for team members, operators, and guests."

Let’s talk about how ZHH can protect your business!

Schedule a time with our team to discuss your unique challenges and how we can help!

Every organization has factors that make their health crisis prevention team different, but Zero Hour Health works with your team to tailor a program that solves all of your pain points.

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