Member Profile: Chick-fil-A Gateway
Jared Coleman, local franchise owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Gateway, is bringing more than chicken to Springfield—he’s building community. With a focus on leadership, service, and personal connection, Coleman leads a team committed to making a positive impact through great food and intentional hospitality. In this member profile, the Springfield Chamber got to know Jared and peek behind the scenes of the newest quick-service restaurant in the Gateway area.
Tell us a little about Chick-fil-A Gateway.
Chick-fil-A Gateway is an independently owned and operated franchise of Chick-fil-A, the nations largest chicken QSR (quick service restaurant). As a local franchisee, I get to be in business for myself; but not by myself, which enables me to focus on building my team and community and get really involved in making Springfield a better place to live, work, play, and thrive.
How did you get started in your industry?
I actually started working at a Chick-fil-A in Arizona in high school and never thought I would make it a career. Years later, I was in graduate school in Florida studying to become a professor. I’m passionate about education and leadership development and thought that was my best path to influence and impact people. I needed a part time job to support my family and found myself once again working at the local Chick-fil-A. Before I knew it I was spending more time at the restaurant than on campus and I realized that Chick-fil-A was a great place for me to pursue my purpose. After six years working there I opened my first franchise in Beaverton, Oregon in 2019. When the opportunity came to relocate to Springfield my wife and I were excited about the community and are thrilled to be here for the long term, and raise our family in such a vibrant community.
What services do you offer and what makes Chick-fil-A Gateway unique?
We serve breakfast from 6:30-10:30am Monday through Saturday and we’re open till 10pm serving lunch and dinner. We have catering options available for pickup and delivery all day and we love to connect with people through our community care fundraisers and fun in-restaurant events, like our kids craft mornings.
What do you like most about your work?
100% the people. I love the way great food, served quickly by warm and welcoming team members can brighten a moment of our guest’s day. I love being able to see our team learning and developing. Many of our team members will “go pro” in something other than chicken and I’m honored to have the opportunity to be a part of their story and watch them leave us a better version of themselves than they arrived.
Any advice for others?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to fall in love with the process, not the outcome. Consistency is more important than intensity. I just try to show up with intention each day and try to bring my best. I believe that when we do that over and over again great things follow.
Anything else you’d like to share?
My wife Sarah and I are so excited for our family to be here in the Springfield/Eugene area. Next time you come by for a chicken biscuit or some nuggets please ask for me. I’d love to hear your story and learn about what you’re doing to make Springfield great. Eat Mor Chikin!
About Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is an American fast food restaurant chain and the largest chain specializing in chicken sandwiches. Headquartered in College Park, Georgia, Chick-fil-A operates 3,236 restaurants across 48 states, as well as in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
