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Comfort food. A bite into something warm and savory that has the power to temporarily melt away the stresses of everyday life. A tasty meal that can bring folks together, even in a time of social distancing. This -- and more -- has inspired William Bridges, 40, owner of the recently opened Chick-Fil-A eatery in South Plainfield. Bridges hopes to comfort the community with safe and swift food services, employment opportunities youth mentoring ministrations, and a heartfelt “my pleasure.” The businessman, who opened his franchise in the Middlesex Mall, never imagined launching his business in the midst of a global health crisis. “We broke ground during the very beginning of the public’s understanding of (COVID-19), so it definitely had its impact on the restaurant’s launch,” the Rutgers Business School MBA-holder recalled. “Learning the severity of the virus was definitely a little discouraging because I just didn’t know what was going to happen or how it was going to effect the community I was preparing to serve,” Bridges added. “The first thing that came to mind was just the safety of everyone and what precautions we, as a company, were going to implement to ensure everyone’s well-being.” A natural-born businessman — at 7, he earned enough money by doing chores around his home and neighborhood to purchase a gaming system for $139.99 — Bridges has always had a heart for service. “Growing up, my grandmother had a nonprofit where we would serve Thanksgiving Day meals to senior citizens in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area,” he said, noting the catalyst of his lifelong commitment to helping others. “I always told myself that if I had an opportunity to combine my desire to give back to the community with my business prowess, I’d jump on it. And I’ve found that with Chick-Fil-A.” On Aug. 27, Bridges, joined by his wife, Shayla, and their 3-year-old son, Wes, officially opened the franchise. Eatery opens in South Plainfield William Bridges with his son, Wes, wife Shayla and South Plainfield Mayor Matt Anesh. Courtesy For Bridges, safety of customers and staff is at the top of the menu. “We went above and beyond in our efforts to implement a number of safety measures to ensure our customers and team members are well cared for,” Bridges said. He ensures his staffers undergo daily wellness checks, monitors the restaurant’s outdoor hand-washing stations, and is sure to keep plenty of PPE. Bridges and his crew offer contactless ordering, payment and delivery options to patrons. Bridges, who received an undergraduate degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree from Rutgers, has held positions at Microsoft, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, IBM, and Lukoil. He said his venture into the food industry has been enriched by the meaningful connections he makes with his hardworking team members. “A little more than half of my staff is made up of young people, most of them first-time job holders,” he said of the more than 140 employment opportunities he’s introduced to the greater South Plainfield area. “And to see these bright, talented, eager youngsters so proud to join the workforce and make a difference during these unprecedented times inspires me everyday.” He adds, “I take serious pride in having a leadership role in my team members' lives. Whether they stay with us for a season or forever, I’m committed to making sure that each of their lives are improved by this experience.” Beyond the four walls of his eatery, Bridges also serves as leader in the Rutgers Business School’s Team UP mentorship program, grooming a diverse student body into business professionals through skill building consultations. “I have a chance to inspire people and lead by example, and that’s important to me especially during these difficult times,” Bridges said. “There were a lot of prominent African-American businesspeople in my community that I looked up to as a youngster. But unfortunately, some kids don’t grow up with too many role models that look like them. So, I’m grateful for the standing I have in the community to reach and teach those around me.” Don Franco, a resident of South Plainfield for 22 years and weekly customer at Bridges' location, said the restaurant comes as breath of fresh air to the community. “This Chick-Fil-A has added some great vibrance to the area,” he said. “It meets a great need as it pertains to wonderful food options and job opportunities.” An African-American entrepreneur and father of four, Franco is grateful to Bridges for serving as another strong example of a powerful leader of color. “I think it’s awesome for my kids and the community as a whole to witness this example of success, Franco said.” “In all my endeavors, I want to serve as a beacon of hope to my son, my customers and team members, aspiring businessmen and women of all backgrounds, and to the entire Chick-Fil-A family,” Bridges said.
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THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY***