New Niagara Falls Chick-fil-A looks to benefit community

Article and Photo by Benjamin Joe

Chick-fil-A Inc. has picked Aaron Hord, a lifelong Western New Yorker, to be the operator of the new restaurant under construction on Niagara Falls Boulevard and the I-190 in Niagara Falls.

Opening day is still not yet, but Hord said the restaurant will be fully operational by early fall.

Hord went to school at Williamsville North High School and went on to study at the University at Buffalo. He later “moved up the ladder” in his first job as an adviser to small businesses.

“I really loved helping local business partners and seeing them grow,” he said.

Hord moved into the training department of the company – a position he remembers fondly – before being promoted into management.

Hord also worked as a manager at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, where he was the director of Project Play of WNY.

Hord said it’s been his dream to run a Chick-fil-A. He credited his mentor, Andrew Privitera, on giving him the tools to succeed.

“He took me in … and allowed me to study under his tutelage,” Hord said. “My journey has been several years of working and studying Chick-fil-A, spending time with owners, spending time with the community, and I always say God’s timing is the best timing.

“When I heard about Niagara Falls, I immediately applied. I got through the vigorous process that Chick-fil-A brings you through, and I was very fortunate to make it.”

The Niagara Falls eatery has been hiring workers as the structure is built. Many come from Niagara Falls High School, Niagara University and Wheatfield-area schools. The end goal is to employ 110 people.

“We have a plethora of people who applied, and we’ve been spending time trying to hire the best people that truly care about serving; who truly care about hospitality; and understand our mission of being the most compassionate,” Hord explained.

Hord said his family members – wife, Jerren Hord, and their four children, ranging from 6 to 12 years old – played a role in his decision to apply for the position Chick-fil-A Inc. offered at the new location.

“Part of my story is my family and is one of the reasons I wanted to get involved with Chick-fil-A, because they are a family-oriented company,” he said. “I wanted to find a way to give back and give blessings to my family, and also to give blessings to my community, which is Western New York.”

As for the opening day, Hord said it’s going to be, “an exciting day,” and that “Cows Eat Free.”

“Anyone that is able to dress up like a cow or have something that reminds you of cow colors ... (they) will be able to participate that day with some special food from Chick-fil-A that will be offered,” he said.

“We want to make sure that everyone understands that this is going to be the place where we are connected to the Western New York community, is a safe place, and employ over hundreds of people, help the local environment, and we’re going to have great-tasting food.”