Atlanta, Ga. — Chick-fil-A is gearing up to celebrate its 80th anniversary with an array of nostalgic activities and promotions designed to engage both longtime fans and new customers. This year-long campaign, which begins Monday, includes limited-edition retro packaging, collectible cups, and themed merchandise, as well as the chance to win free meals for an entire year.

Amidst a challenging restaurant environment marked by declining diner traffic, many chains are ramping up their promotional efforts. Chick-fil-A, known for its steadfast adherence to quality, has chosen this moment to reaffirm its brand heritage without engaging in the price-cutting battles affecting many competitors. The company’s growth, which slowed to 5.4 percent in 2024, represents its first year of less than double-digit sales growth in over a decade.

Khalilah Cooper, Chick-fil-A’s vice president of brand strategy, advertising, and media, emphasized the campaign’s dual focus on celebrating the company’s history while attracting new customers. The marketing strategy is centered on the concept of “newstalgia,” which blends elements of nostalgia with contemporary twists. “We want to celebrate our heritage with customers who have been with us for all 80 years, as well as those who may have discovered us just a few days ago,” Cooper noted.

Central to this campaign is a series of collectible cup designs, set to be released every few weeks. Inspired by the company’s archives, these cups will retail for $3.99 at participating locations nationwide. Additionally, customers who purchase a collectible cup may receive a special Golden Fan Cup, granting them free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.

The anniversary will also feature limited-time designs for Chick-fil-A’s classic chicken sandwich packaging, adding a vintage touch that harkens back to the brand’s early days. For fans of the restaurant’s iconic stuffed cows, limited-edition versions will be available for purchase both online and in-store throughout the year.

In a departure from its typical offerings, Chick-fil-A will permanently add frosted sodas and floats to its menu starting Monday. The company plans to introduce more limited-time items than it usually does, enhancing its menu variety and appealing to adventurous diners.

The celebration will extend beyond the restaurant itself, capturing attention during events such as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. This year’s college football playoff semifinal featuring the Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers will incorporate elements of “newstalgia” to engage audiences.

Founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy and his brother, Chick-fil-A began as The Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Georgia. Over time, the chain has grown significantly, with system sales reaching $22.74 billion in 2024, establishing it as the third-largest restaurant chain in the U.S., behind McDonald’s and Starbucks. Under the leadership of Cathy’s grandson, Andrew, the company continues to expand its presence beyond its Southern roots, with plans for international growth in the United Kingdom and Singapore.

As Chick-fil-A embarks on this milestone anniversary, the company aims to not only celebrate its storied past but also to foster deeper connections with customers in an evolving marketplace.