If you’ve ever driven through New York state, you’ve probably noticed that Chick-fil-A is everywhere along the Thruway rest stops. For many travelers, it’s a go-to spot for a quick and delicious meal—who can resist their famous grilled chicken sandwich?
But if you’ve driven along the Massachusetts Turnpike (Mass. Pike), you might have wondered: Why isn’t there a Chick-fil-A at any of the rest areas here? After all, McDonald’s and Burger King both have locations at various rest stops, so why is Chick-fil-A missing from the list?
The answer lies in a specific policy set by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) that makes it nearly impossible for Chick-fil-A to open at these locations.
The One Rule That Keeps Chick-fil-A Out
According to a report from the Boston Globe, MassDOT has a strict policy requiring all restaurants at rest areas along the Mass. Pike to be open seven days a week. This means that any fast-food chain operating in these rest stops must remain open every single day without exceptions.
This policy was introduced to ensure that travelers always have access to food, no matter when they’re driving through the state. It makes sense—after all, when you’re on a long trip and stop at a rest area, you expect to find something to eat, right?
Unfortunately for Chick-fil-A, this requirement goes directly against one of its core company policies.
Why Chick-fil-A Can’t Open Seven Days a Week
Chick-fil-A has a well-known tradition of staying closed on Sundays. This rule was established by the restaurant’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, way back in 1946. When Cathy opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia, he had already spent years working seven days a week in the restaurant industry.
He believed that both he and his employees deserved at least one day off to rest, spend time with family, or engage in worship if they chose to. Even as Chick-fil-A grew into one of the largest fast-food chains in the U.S., the company has remained committed to this policy.
This commitment to being closed on Sundays, while admirable, means that Chick-fil-A cannot meet MassDOT’s requirement for seven-day-a-week operations. And that’s the simple reason why you won’t see Chick-fil-A at any of the Massachusetts Pike rest areas anytime soon.
Would Chick-fil-A Ever Change This Policy?
It’s highly unlikely that Chick-fil-A will change its long-standing tradition just to meet the requirements of one state’s highway authority. The company has built a strong brand around its Sunday closure policy, and it’s a major part of its identity.
However, Chick-fil-A has found other ways to expand in Massachusetts. Several standalone Chick-fil-A locations already exist in cities like Boston, Peabody, and Woburn, and more are expected to open in the future. So, while you won’t be seeing one at a rest stop, Massachusetts residents still have plenty of options if they’re craving Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwiches.
What Other Fast-Food Chains Started in New England?
While Chick-fil-A may not be able to join the Mass. Pike rest stops, many other popular fast-food chains actually got their start in New England. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
1. Dunkin’
Founded in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ is one of the most recognizable coffee and donut chains in the world. Massachusetts residents love their Dunkin’ coffee, and it’s a staple for morning commuters.
2. Papa Gino’s
This beloved pizza chain started in East Boston and has been serving up classic Italian-American pizza since the 1960s.
3. Friendly’s
Founded in Springfield, Massachusetts, Friendly’s is famous for its delicious ice cream and classic diner-style meals.
4. Legal Sea Foods
While not exactly a fast-food chain, this Boston-based seafood restaurant has become a go-to spot for fresh, high-quality seafood.
5. Howard Johnson’s
Once a massive chain of restaurants and hotels, Howard Johnson’s started in Quincy, Massachusetts and was one of the first American fast-food chains to gain national popularity.
Final Thoughts
Chick-fil-A has built a strong presence across the U.S., but its commitment to closing on Sundays means it simply doesn’t fit into MassDOT’s seven-day operation rule. While this may disappoint some travelers, Chick-fil-A fans in Massachusetts can still visit standalone locations in cities across the state.
For now, if you’re traveling on the Massachusetts Turnpike, you’ll have to
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