Oxford Welcomes a New Chick-fil-A Location
Oxford, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes its second stand-alone Chick-fil-A! The new restaurant, located at 800 Sisk Ave, opened its doors on August 6, and it’s already making waves in the community. This expansion comes from the passion and hard work of Lance Reed, a dedicated owner-operator who’s been a part of the Oxford landscape for over a decade.
Meet Lance Reed
Lance Reed, originally from Louisiana, moved to Oxford with his family about 15 years ago. In 2009, they took the leap and opened their first Chick-fil-A in this charming college town. With a strong belief in community engagement and service, Reed is thrilled to have the opportunity to open a second restaurant. He shared, “Having the opportunity to open a second restaurant in Oxford has been incredibly rewarding, allowing my team and I to serve in a tight-knit community where we can make a positive impact, both inside and outside of the restaurant.”
Creating Jobs in the Community
This new Chick-fil-A is not just about great chicken; it’s also about people. Across the two locations, Reed employs approximately 250 to 300 part-time and full-time employees. That’s a lot of jobs! This commitment to providing employment opportunities is a cornerstone of Reed’s mission as a local business owner.
A Journey from Ministry to Business
Reed’s journey to becoming a restaurant owner wasn’t straightforward. He initially worked in ministry, a career that he and his wife cherished. However, he found that owning a small business also allowed him to build relationships and make a difference in the community. “Leaving behind my career in ministry was a tough decision for my wife and me initially. However, after becoming a small business owner, I realized that I have the same privilege of building strong relationships that make a meaningful difference in the community in a unique way,” he explained.
Community Engagement is Key
One of the things that sets Chick-fil-A apart is its deep commitment to engaging with the local community. Reed highlighted that he continues to embrace traditions, such as hosting the annual Princess Ball, which allows fathers and daughters to create lasting memories together. “I found reassurance that I could still fulfill my calling to serve others, just as I did before,” he added. It’s clear that events like this are not just fun; they’re part of a bigger vision to enrich the community.
The People Behind the Chicken
When asked about his vision for the restaurant, Reed emphasized that, at the heart of Chick-fil-A’s success, lies a focus on people. “At the end of the day, we are not in the chicken business; we are in the people business,” he stated. This philosophy is what drives his team to serve guests as quickly and effectively as possible. “Sometimes, on the outside looking in, you don’t see and realize that. But it’s true; we’re in the people business,” he reaffirmed.
Looking Ahead
As Reed and his team gear up for the future, they remain committed to their goal of being a great neighbor in the Oxford community. Reed looks forward to many years of service, contributing positively both in his restaurants and beyond. The new location isn’t just about expanding reach; it’s about deepening their roots in the Oxford community.
Exciting times are ahead for Chick-fil-A in Oxford, and the community is ready to enjoy delicious meals while supporting local employment and initiatives. Here’s to many future successes as this beloved brand continues to grow!
