Augusta’s Culinary Star Shines: The Woman Behind Chick-Fil-A’s Iconic Flavors
Ah, Augusta! A city known for its rich history and vibrant culture has yet another reason to be proud. Have you ever sunk your teeth into a Spicy Chick-Fil-A sandwich or lavished in the sweet indulgence of a Peppermint Chip Milkshake during the holiday season? These delicious treats have more than a finger-licking taste; they have roots that stretch right back to Augusta, Georgia!
Meet Angela Canada: A Local Inspiration
Born and raised in Augusta, Angela Canada is now making waves at Chick-Fil-A as the senior principal team leader of Menu and Packaging. After graduating from the Academy of Richmond County, Angela paved her path at South Carolina State University, majoring in biology. But how did a biology major land in the world of food science? Well, it turns out that a little nudge from a professor and a passion for cooking were the ingredients she needed!
Angela’s culinary journey took an exciting turn when her mother, sensing her daughter’s love for food innovation, shared her enthusiasm with one of Angela’s professors. “I didn’t know about food science. I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Angela reflected. With that spark, she embraced a blend of plant science and food science, leading her to explore the fascinating world of food development.
The Science Behind the Taste
Have you ever wondered what goes into making a crispy potato chip? Angela loves breaking it down, explaining that there’s so much more than meets the eye: “It’s like potato chips. Most people don’t think about what it takes to make that chip.” With multiple stages between potato and chip, it’s these meticulous processes that Angela and her team delve into during product development.
A Flavorful Journey with Chick-Fil-A
Fast forward almost 21 years, and Angela has left her mark on Chick-Fil-A in a big way. Interestingly, the Peppermint Milkshake, a beloved seasonal treat, was initially developed with the simple thought: “I thought everyone likes peppermint.” She had no idea how right she was! Launched during the Christmas season of 2008, this seasonal favorite has quickly turned into a holiday staple, available this year through January 4.
So how do you create a product like this? Angela points out the importance of understanding the business case and conducting numerous taste tests to ensure everything aligns with the right flavor profile. “The process can be short, she said, or take years,” but the results clearly speak for themselves!
The Spicy Chicken Sandwich Saga
Angela is equally proud of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Developing this fan-favorite took a whopping five years! The challenge? Figuring out how to cook it in a restaurant with limited kitchen space. Thanks to Angela’s persistence, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich eventually became a regular item on Chick-Fil-A menus everywhere.
What’s Next for Chick-Fil-A?
For those eagerly anticipating new flavors, exciting news is on the horizon! Angela mentioned that the Spicy Grilled Deluxe Sandwich will make a limited-time return in January. Featuring grilled chicken on a bun topped with pepper jack cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a special cilantro-lime sauce, it sounds promising for your taste buds!
The Big Day: Augusta Celebrates One of Its Own
As if all of this wasn’t enough to applaud, Angela will grace the stage as the keynote speaker for the Augusta University undergraduate commencement ceremony this Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Augusta Marriott in downtown Augusta. What a perfect way to inspire budding minds right in her hometown!
So the next time you find yourself craving that iconic Spicy Chick-Fil-A sandwich or a refreshing Peppermint Milkshake, remember that these delightful flavors come from the hard work and creativity of local talent like Angela Canada. Augusta, indeed, has a lot to celebrate!
