A new air conditioning unit has been installed at the Church’s Chicken restaurant located on West Gentry Parkway in Tyler. The replacement occurred after a customer, Tony Maldonado, raised concerns about the prolonged absence of air conditioning, which ultimately led to the company addressing the issue. During the period leading up to the new unit's installation, the restaurant’s lobby was temporarily closed, operating as a drive-thru only.
Maldonado, a Tyler resident, first noted the air conditioning was not working when he and his brother visited the restaurant on July 15. He observed that the dining area was too warm, leading them to decide against eating inside. According to Maldonado, the AC remained out for the remainder of the summer, with the restaurant relying on a small window unit and fans. This observation was also noted in a Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) inspection report from the end of August.
Motivated by the conditions, Maldonado began contacting the company's corporate office. He reported calling twice a week for the two weeks prior to the issue gaining wider attention. He stated that while corporate informed him the complaint was elevated, he saw "nothing from corporate really." Maldonado articulated his belief that the restaurant should prioritize the well-being of both employees and customers, stating, "They need to take care of not only the employees, but the customers that come in."
An inquiry directed to the restaurant's manager on duty resulted in a refusal to answer questions regarding the air conditioning. However, after an email was sent to the company’s media relations team, a corporate spokesperson responded within hours. The spokesperson confirmed that they had engaged with the franchisee and anticipated a new unit would be installed "later that week." Signs indicating "Drive-thru only" were posted at the restaurant on the same day the company was contacted.
Approximately a week and a half after the corporate engagement, Maldonado photographed the removal of the old unit, confirming that the new air conditioning system had been successfully installed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not mandate air conditioning in workplaces, but it does recommend maintaining temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees. OSHA emphasizes that "employers are responsible for protecting workers from temperature extremes."
Maldonado concluded by stating that businesses "flourish" when they prioritize their employees and customers. The installation of the new air conditioning unit suggests that the restaurant’s indoor dining environment has been restored to comfortable conditions, allowing for the potential return to full service for its patrons.
