Chick-fil-A adds online ordering after testing in summer

When it comes to mobile technology, Chick-fil-A has been an industry leader along with other brands such as Starbucks, Wingstop, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Dunkin’.

The Atlanta-based chicken chain, however, has been slow to roll out online ordering for everyday meals on its website. Previously, only catering orders could be purchased online. 

Related: Forget menu trimming — Chick-fil-A adds 3 new items, including two coffee drinks

Chick-fil-A launched nationwide online ordering this week after testing “order ahead online” at Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area this summer.

“The ability to order online from Chick-fil-A’s full menu is one more way for us to show care to our customers by making the ordering process as seamless as possible,” Emily Thomson, a customer digital experience team member, said in a statement.

Related: How restaurant chains are reclaiming digital sales lost to third-party delivery

Ordering through Chick-fil-A’s branded website works similarly to the company’s app, which debuted mobile order and pay ahead four years ago.  When ordering, customers are prompted to choose how they would like to fetch their order: drive thru, carryout or curbside.

Loyalty members can also log points through the updated ordering system.

“Online ordering now changes the game by providing the full menu for everyday purchases,” Thomson added.

If you’re wondering about direct delivery options, Chick-fil-A works with third-party delivery services. On the app, consumers who select “delivery” are redirected, shown left, to local delivery operators like DoorDash. Reward points are not earned on these orders. 

In separate news, the company has been warning consumers for several days about a possible lettuce shortage.

“Due to industry wide challenges with lettuce supply, certain menu items, including salads, may be prepared differently or unavailable for the time being. We apologize for any inconvenience,” said an alert-style broadcast on the brand’s website.

Contact Nancy Luna at [email protected] 

Follow her on Twitter: @fastfoodmaven