Chick-fil-A is dominating fast food while teaching workers to say 'my pleasure' and putting flowers on tables - here are 6 strategies the chain has used to become the most polite in the industry

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Building a menu of "entrées"

Building a menu of "entrées"

Another quirk of Chick-fil-A vocabulary elevation is swapping the language of fast-food "combos" for "entrées."

"An entrée is different than a combo or a six-piece. It's a different language. ... That language is part of my experience in helping change the expectation," said Quincy L.A. Springs IV, who runs a Chick-fil-A location in the Vine City neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Unlimited refills or beverage "refreshments"

Unlimited refills or beverage "refreshments"

Chick-fil-A offers unlimited refills for customers who are dining in the chain's locations. In fact, employees are told to go around to customers and ask: "May I refresh your beverage?"

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Flowers on tables

Flowers on tables

Chick-fil-A locations across America have flowers on their tables. It's a small gesture that hints at pricier establishments, with more than a pinch of home-grown charm.

"My kids are four and two. ... I want the restaurant experience, [but] I can't take them anywhere because they're animals," Cooper said. "I can come and sit down here and get the essence of an experience: the flowers on the table and the ... people that are serving me."

Clearing customers' trash

Clearing customers' trash

Chick-fil-A employees walk around the restaurants, offering to clear customers' trash. And, of course, there is specific language for this as well: "Can I clear your tray?" as opposed to "Can I pick up your trash?"

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Free food

Free food

Chick-fil-A rarely skimps on free food. Kevin Purcer, Chick-fil-A's director of customer digital experience, says that as the company continues to tweak its mobile app, it is working to ensure that operators are given the tools needed to give away plenty of free food.

The free food ties into the chain's more general goal of peak politeness and its stated mission "to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A."