Chick-fil-A rolls out new app, offers free sandwiches to celebrate

Chick-fil-A One makes it easier to get your hands on the chicken chain's wildly popular food.

The opening of a new Chick-fil-A often inspires apocalyptic worthy excitement— coupled with mile-long lines to match.

Now the wildly popular chicken chain wants to make it a little easier for you to get that fried chicken sandwich or an order of nuggets.

On Wednesday, Chick-fil-A announced the launch of pay-ahead mobile ordering via its new app Chick-fil-A One. Guests can customize orders, and skip the long lunch lines by paying in advance of pickup. Food is prepared once customers officially “check in” at the pickup location so a little waiting time could still be involved.

According to the company, the app is geared toward millennial parents-- 82 percent of whom "would do almost anything to avoid long lines at fast food restaurants.”

But the app won’t just save you time—it could save you money. Chick-fil-A One doubles as a rewards programs. Customers who join will be "surprised with their favorite food, which is based on their preferences and previous orders,” after making a certain number of purchases through the app. The program is open to anyone age 13 or older, making it far less exclusive than the company's invite-only A-List service.

To celebrate the launch of Chick-fil-A One, the chain is giving away one free sandwich (per user) to customers who download it from now until June 11. Simply download the app, via the Apple App Store or Google Play, to receive a QR redemption code for a free original, spicy or grilled chicken sandwich.

Chick-fil-A is one of many chains looking to capitalize on the explosive growth of mobile app usage in the fast food industry. Starbucks says approximately four percent of sales across all US stores come from mobile orders—but some stores receive up to 20 percent of their orders via the Starbucks app during peak hours.

“We know time is valuable, and we’re excited to offer this new convenience that will empower guests to order what they want, when they want it and exactly how they want it, all from their mobile device,” said Michael Lage, senior manager of digital experience for Chick-fil-A.

“This app was developed based on customer feedback, so it was specifically designed to give our guests an even more convenient and personalized experience in our restaurant.”