Yesterday afternoon my wife and I began to make our way down to Charleston for the Bridge Run this weekend. Along the way we decided to stop by Chick-fil-a and grab a (somewhat) healthy dinner. All attempts at this failed when we noticed what their new ‘limited time’ milkshake was…Coffee Caramel!
However, as I sipped on my 27g of fat (yeah, that’s the good stuff) I began to wonder why Chick-fil-a only puts new milkshakes out for a limited time. I mean, their new items are always successful and short lived (need I remind anyone of the ‘Mint Cookies and Cream’…oh my gosh)!?! So, why?
Well, to be honest, I have no idea. But as I think they do something we hear a lot but don’t always see put into practice…they KEEP IT SIMPLE!!
If you look at Chick-fil-a’s menu you will notice they have only a few items. Food items they KNOW they do excellently! They may break out something out different, but it’s only for a short time. Why? Because they KEEP IT SIMPLE!
Some of us claim we don’t like this strategy. That we need many options and that giving us only a few options can cramp our style or leaves us feeling unfulfilled. I would beg to differ! If that were true, then why do we all order the same 2-3 things we ALWAYS get when we visit the (same) restaurants we ALWAYS attend (you know that’s what we do). If we’re honest, very few of us actually explore the menu to order something new each time).
Chick-fil-a knows what they do well and they do it! They cut down on distractions and stick to the vision! They don’t throw out many things hoping that something will work or sale. They don’t have a ‘hit and miss’ strategy to them but a ‘ready, aim, fire’ strategy. They have a vision, make it a plan, and execute. They keep it simple, play to their strengths and do it with excellence!
I learned that a Chick-fil-a milkshake has more to say to me than I thought! What about you? 
April 4th, 2008 at 9:03 am
How would the Cheesecake Factory menu work as a Spiritual point?
April 4th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I have a two part comment here.
One: YES Kristie and I discovered the Coffee Caramel shakes a couple days ago. They are so good they’ll have to be banned from human consumption. I crave one about 6 times a day since I discovered them.
Two: You are so right. I strongly believe in the K.I.S.S. method of doing things. Keep It Simple Stupid work for me anyway. Know what you are aiming for. ( your market ) focus you aim like a razor sharp laser. Then fire away.
Good post
Have fun on the bridge.
April 4th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
What do you mean…ellaborate for me?