If you had met me a year ago you would have known a version of me that was living through extremely dark days. I was working two difficult jobs that netted me very little and I was in a tough relationship with someone I cared about. While I was sinking into sadness, one day I made the decision to actively pursue and envelope myself in things that made me happy regardless of what they were. I figured: if the majority of my surroundings made me sad then the least I could do is to try to cultivate my own happiness. I started boxing consistently, began to laugh at my own stupid jokes, and I filled my body with things that made me smile. One of those things just happened to be Chick-Fil-A.

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I can understand that you may raise an eyebrow at that last line, but it’s true. I didn’t discover Chick-Fil-A last year, but in the last 365 days I did become obsessed with it. The 3-strip meal with poly sauce, large fries, and a Hi-Cwith light ice would make me smile the minute the words left my lips. And a smile of equal or greater size would reappear once the food crossed my lips.

Fast forward to today and everything is different. The tough relationship has become one I value and I have one job that even in its hard moments makes me happy. What brings it all full circle is the fact that a Chick-fil-A has opened across the street from my job. Chick-fil-A at I-10 and La Cienega is a little gift from God as the franchise is in walking distance from my office. Gone are the days of having the basement cafeteria’s grilled cheese sandwich and hello to my midday chicken strip meal.

In preparation for today’s grand opening of Chick-fil-A, I got to check out the new location before it officially opened doors. Owned and operated by Erica Hartfield, the restaurant sits just off of the 10 freeway. Will it make driving difficult? Sure. Am I worried, no because I can walk over. In visiting the new location, attendees had the chance to try some of their favorites and discover a few new ones. I spent the majority of my time dipping nuggets in every sauce to see if Polynesian was still my favorite. Spoiler alert: it is. I then made repeat visits to Jeanie’s chicken sandwich station for more and more sandwiches. Did I return with a mustache to deceive her into believing I was someone else? Yes. Did it work? No, but she still gave me a sandwich.

Getting a sneak peak into a restaurant that already makes me so happy was great way to end my evening. I may not know Erica, but I’m proud of what she’s bringing to the area. A new food option to an neighborhood with little makes me glad. To see more jobs available to those in the community is heartwarming. The fact that I can get a meal I love during my busy work day is exciting and makes me ready for tomorrow to come. Looking back on the last year to today I can honestly say that this is a corny yet great moment. I may not have exactly prayed for this but the Lord knows what I need and clearly showed up and showed out with this one. Now if I could get him to answer my “clear my student loans” prayers, I’d be set.

If you’re in the West LA area, make your way the Chick-fil-A on I-10 and La Cienega and tell them Danielle’s gut sent you.

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Address: 2310 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034
Phone: (310) 845-7020
Hours: Monday through Thursday – 6:00am to 11:00pm, Friday and Saturday – 6:00am to 11:45pm, and Closed Sundays.
Social: Website, Facebook, and Instagram.