Faith @ Work
Jerry Cotney’s career as a team member with Chick-fil-A started the same day the Spicy Chicken Sandwich released in 2010. Cotney brought with him to Chick-fil-A several years in purpose driven work- including helping Soles4Souls get started. The non-profit which collects new shoes and clothing for people in need worldwide. It was a career change Cotney didn’t expect but felt led to do.
In 2016, Cotney was selected to be only the third Operator in the now 47-year history of the Chick-fil-A Brookwood Village location. “It’s been a joy and privilege,” says Cotney, about serving at the helm of Alabama’s very first Chick-fil-A franchise (circa 1974). He adds that the role of an operator at a mall versus a free-standing restaurant is different. “I’ve discovered how essential culture and engagement is.”
What drives Cotney as a Chick-fil-A operator? “My values and my faith. We’ve been able to build a team that is dedicated to serving well and stewarding well and focusing on not just growing the business but growing individually and collectively.” In 2019, Cotney’s team set a record for the highest guest satisfaction the location had ever seen and was deemed an Elite Food Safety Status restaurant. Chick-fil-A also bestowed on the team the highest award given- the Symbol of Success and was named as “Readers’ Choice” by Birmingham Christian Family readers this summer.
2020 was anything but easy for Cotney’s team. “We were closed for five weeks during COVID which is a death sentence for most restaurants.” Cotney was dedicated to staying in touch with his team and when they were able to reopen, 23 out of 26 team members returned. “Just recently, we are back to our pre-COVID revenue, which is a miracle because our mall is now 90% vacant.” The team put a lot of thought into pivoting their business model- including adding delivery service, curbside delivery expansion and more. “It’s been a marvel to see,” Cotney says. Birmingham Christian Family readers noticed and voted the team a “2021 Readers’ Choice” in summer family fun!
Based on how the Brookwood Village team adapted during the last year, the opportunity to move to a new location in Cahaba Heights became available. As the team prepares to move to Cahaba Heights, Cotney believes the Lord has prepared him for this new experience by “showing how involved He(God) is in this business. He provided the sales and the right people at the right time.” Cotney says he is delighted to move because he will be able to serve many of the same customers he has served for years. “This location is also exciting because we expect lots of families.” Cotney and his team will serve their last customers at Brookwood at the end of July and then turn their attention to reopening in Cahaba Heights in October. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @chickfilabrookwood to find details about the upcoming move to Cahaba Heights.
-Melissa Armstrong
We’re opening soon! Part-time and full time jobs:
- Individualized scheduling system
- Competitive pay ($10-18 per hour)
- Health care benefits available for all
- Paid time off accrual for all team members
- Meal discounts, up to 100%
- Clear path for development
- $2,500 Scholarship opportunities
To apply, Text “cahaba” to 205-512-9119
