Chick-fil-A will open its first Seaford restaurant at 22932 Sussex Hwy.on Aug. 22, bringing its handcrafted food and award-winning customer service, commitment to community engagement and hands-on mentoring for over 100 newly hired Team Members.
Local Chick-fil-A at Seaford Operator Mike Vonhof is thrilled to be bringing Chick-fil-A to Seaford, a short distance from where his family has lived for more than 18 years. Vonhof’s first experience with Chick-fil-A happened when he was a boy growing up in South Florida and visiting the Boynton Beach Mall restaurant with his family. Despite his love for the delicious food and fond memories, it would be more than 30 years before Vonhof’s journey would lead him to his role as a Chick-fil-A Operator.
After graduating with a degree in business administration in 1997, Vonhof developed and honed his management and leadership skills while working for Target for more than 10 years which included opening the company’s first multi-level store on the East Coast. He eventually transitioned into education where he has worked for the past 15 years with positions including serving as Head of School.
However, when his son went to work for Chick-fil-A at Rehoboth Beach Operator Zach Hayes, Vonhof witnessed firsthand the focus on mentoring young people, serving freshly prepared food and impacting local communities in a positive way. Inspired by what he saw, Vonhof began to explore opportunities with Chick-fil-A which led him to pursue becoming an Operator. Vonhof’s dream of owning his own business was realized in May when he was awarded the Seaford Chick-fil-A restaurant and looks forward to expanding his service and commitment to making a difference in the area he loves and calls home. Vonhof will be supported by his wife, Rachel, and their three children who will all be working in the restaurant. Daughter, Megan is excited to start her first job as a Team Members working alongside her father.
“I am excited to have a chance to serve the Seaford community both inside and outside our restaurant,” said Vonhof. “We are committed to developing our Team Members as together we impact those around us for good and provide a remarkable experience to our guests who become part of our family.”
Vonhof‘s nearly 5,000-square-foot restaurant has been designed to enhance all aspects of a guest’s experience from the drive-thru to the counter to in-restaurant dining. Highlights include a:
- dual-lane drive-thru merging into a single pick-up point that can handle upwards of 200 cars an hour. The location also has environment-controlled canopies to further enhance the outside ordering experience.
- heritage restaurant design that showcases a vintage-inspired interior with floor-to-ceiling windows and drop pendant lighting.
- two-story indoor playground with an interactive toddler section.
- dining room with free Wi-Fi and 114 seats, along with a 20-seat outdoor patio.
- full-service menu with a variety of healthy and dietary options and breakfast until 10:30 a.m., and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. All Chick-fil-A locations are closed on Sunday.
First 100 Campout event
The overnight 12-hour grand opening First 100 Campout party includes engaging activities for participants ages five and older who also enjoy Chick-fil-A meals throughout the countdown to the opening. Registration begins in the restaurant parking lot at 6 p.m., Aug. 21. Details include:
- Up to 100 adults, ages 18 and older, will win a digital offer card with a year of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 meals with each consisting of a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, medium Waffle Potato Fries and a medium beverage).
- The community event is open to guests surrounding the restaurant with a list of eligible zip codes and complete rules found at https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Future-Openings.
Chick-fil-A in Delaware
Chick-fil-A first opened in Delaware nearly 26 years ago at the Dover Mall in 1993. The new Chick-fil-A in
Seaford becomes the 13th location in the state and is among the 120 new restaurants slated to open nationwide, creating more than 10,000 jobs this year. For more information about the new location, find the restaurant on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cfaseaford.