Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, Owner/Operator Ashley Derby gives insight on the popular eatery’s return
For the past four months, patrons of the immensely popular USC In-Line Chick Fil-A haven’t been able to patronize the restaurant due to a building fire. Alongside other eateries which were open for business including Chipotle, Cold Stone and Quiznos on South Figueroa, many began to speculate as to why Chick-Fil-A was the only place not open for business. The building in which Chick-Fil-A resides has six floors of student housing. On Halloween night, students were barbequing on the roof, which started the fire. The blaze caught the restaurant’s kitchen exhaust system and the air conditioning system on fire, and they were severely burned. Without the kitchen exhaust, the restaurant kitchen could not operate.
Chick-Fil-A Owner/Operator Ashley Derby explains that there was no foul play involved, it was merely an extensive process to get construction permits approved through from the city to proceed with reconstruction. “It took two weeks to get the construction plans together, and seven weeks to get the plan submitted and approved by the city. The building owners had to complete demolition on the roof, and rebuild before we (Chick-fil-A) were able to start our part. In early March we were finally able to replace the kitchen exhaust and A/C system.”
When asked how she’s grown personally and professionally over the past four months, Derby refers to the old adage, ‘Let go and let God.’ She says, “It may sound cliché but it was the only thing that kept me sane. I had to rely on my faith and know that God was going to make sure everyone and everything was taken care of. I was so thankful there were no injuries because of the fire, and there wasn’t any damage to the inside of the restaurant – it could have been much worse. I definitely had reason to be angry and upset, but I quickly realized everything was out of my hands and out of my control. I don’t own the building we’re in, so I had to wait on them to make the necessary repairs first. I can’t think of a time where I’ve been tested more.” She continues, “The whole situation was very unexpected. We were having such a strong year in 2014 and we were on track to win several awards within the company. The fire was so abrupt, no one saw it coming! My faith was tested because everything was out of my control.”
Oftentimes, many business owners look at a situation like a fire, loss of revenue and construction expenses as a justifiable reason to permanently close a business. Derby says reopening was always the plan and she is grateful to the community for constantly reiterating through emails and voicemails that the restaurant was missed. “It was very comforting to know that there were so many people in the community that were waiting for us to reopen; we received calls and emails daily from guests. When we opened the doors at 8am, so many people said, ‘finally!’ Although I never considered permanently closing the restaurant, as a business owner, sometimes you have to make tough calls but it’s important to use discernment and make the best decision with the information that you have.”
During their hiatus, members of Derby’s team had the exciting opportunity to travel throughout the country training other staff during the grand openings of other restaurants. Team members were also able to work with the Hollywood Chick-fil-A location and the new Culver City Chick-fil-A location. “I’m thankful to my Chick-Fil-A operator team, as they were on board to extend their restaurants to my team members. I don’t know any other company that would do that. I’m so blessed to work with such great people. During the midst of it all, they looked out for me AND my team.”
In the midst of the turmoil, Derby had some uplifting moments, as she and her husband became new homeowners. She was also honored by the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College where she was given an award for being an outstanding community member. “It was such an honor. There are many women that are nominated every year and I’ve always been in wonderment of all of the amazing things that they do. To be selected is so touching, especially while we were closed for business; I was really moved by the honor.”
In addition to her busy schedule as the Owner/Operator of Chick-Fil-A, the Atlanta, Georgia native continues to be active in the L.A. community. She is a mentor and committee member for a non-profit organization, Hollywood Young Life. The outreach program helps high school students by ministering to them and helping them develop a relationship with Christ. Derby also actively fundraises for Spelman College to assist girls in the area with securing scholarships to attend the prestigious institution. “I want to continue to be able to give back in whatever ways that I can. I remember how expensive it was to attend Spelman, and that was almost 10 years ago. There were so many people that extended a helping hand to me along my journey; I’m committed to doing the same for youth in the city, especially young African American women.” She shares this final sentiment on how she will relay her most recent situation with the youth that she mentors, “I’m a better and stronger person following this experience. This is an ultimate testimony to be able to say, ‘look at God, we’re still standing.”
The USC In-Line Chick-Fil-A is located at 3758 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles,CA 90007. They are open Monday-Saturday from 8am to 11pm and closed on Sundays.
