You know that feeling when you're driving down Old Lebanon Dirt Road and you see the double drive-thru line wrapping around the building? That's the daily reality for Chick-fil-A Hermitage TN. It is one of those spots in suburban Nashville that basically acts as a community hub, whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast biscuit before work or trying to feed a literal soccer team on a Tuesday night.
Honestly, the logistics of this place are kind of fascinating. People in Hermitage don't just go there for the chicken; they go because, despite the chaos of the lunch rush, the system usually works. But there is a lot more to this specific location than just "my pleasure" and waffle fries.
The Local Lowdown on 305 Old Lebanon Dirt Rd
If you aren't from the area, finding it is easy enough—it’s tucked right near the intersection with Old Hickory Blvd. The official address is 305 Old Lebanon Dirt Rd, Hermitage, TN 37076. Randy Atkins is the Operator here, and if you’ve lived in Hermitage for a minute, you know his name carries some weight in the local business community.
Operating hours are pretty standard for the chain: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. And yes, obviously, they are closed on Sundays. It doesn't matter how badly you’re craving a spicy deluxe while watching the Titans play; the gates will be locked.
The dine-in area usually closes a bit earlier than the drive-thru, typically around 8:45 PM. If you're looking to avoid the madness, the "sweet spot" is usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. That’s when the school crowd hasn't hit yet and the lunch professional rush has finally dissipated.
Cracking the Code: Drive-Thru vs. Mobile Thru
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the wait times.
Chick-fil-A Hermitage TN has a massive volume of traffic. Sometimes you’ll pull up and see 20 cars and think, "No way." But the dual-lane system is surprisingly efficient. Recently, they’ve leaned heavily into the Mobile Thru lane. This is for people who order ahead on the app.
Does it actually save time?
Kinda. It depends on when you check in.
- The Pro Move: Don’t wait until you’re in the parking lot to hit "I'm here" in the app. If you do it when you're about two minutes away, your food is often hitting the window exactly when you pull up.
- The Risk: If you have a massive order or a bunch of customizations, the "standard" drive-thru line can sometimes move faster because they have more staff dedicated to the traditional face-to-face ordering process.
The "face-to-face" ordering—where employees stand outside with tablets even in the Nashville humidity—remains the backbone of this location. It’s a high-pressure environment for those kids working there, but it keeps the line from stagnating on the main road.
Catering and Community: Beyond the Individual Meal
One thing many people overlook about the Hermitage location is how much they handle behind the scenes. They do a ton of catering for local businesses in the Donelson-Hermitage area and schools like McGavock High.
If you’re planning an event, they have a $350 minimum for delivery, which is a bit steep for a small birthday party but standard for corporate lunches. For anything smaller, you just do a catering pickup. You can get the massive nugget trays (the 64-count or the 120-count) or the chilled grilled chicken sub sandwiches.
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They also run "Spirit Nights." This is basically where a local school or non-profit gets a percentage of the sales for a few hours. It’s a win-win, but fair warning: if you go on a Spirit Night, expect the lobby to be packed with families and kids. It gets loud.
What People Get Wrong About the Quality
Lately, there’s been some chatter online and in local Facebook groups about "shrinkflation" or the chicken pieces getting smaller. While the corporate headquarters did make a shift in their chicken sourcing standards (moving from "No Antibiotics Ever" to "No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine"), the actual prep at the Hermitage store hasn't changed much.
The fries are still the most polarizing thing on the menu. If you get them through the drive-thru and live 15 minutes away, they will be soggy by the time you get home. It’s just the nature of a waffle fry.
Pro Tip: If you want them crispy, you have to eat them in the car or the dining room. There is no middle ground.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you want the best experience at Chick-fil-A Hermitage TN, follow this specific game plan:
- Use the Chick-fil-A One App: Not just for the points (though the free brownies add up), but for the ability to bypass the long speaker-box lines.
- Check the "Status" of the Dining Room: If the drive-thru is backed up to the street, park and walk in. Often, the inside counter is much faster because everyone is terrified of losing their spot in the car line.
- The Breakfast Cutoff: Breakfast stops at 10:30 AM sharp. If you pull into the drive-thru at 10:28 AM and there are five cars ahead of you, you’re probably getting lunch. Plan accordingly.
- Customizing is Key: You can actually ask for your nuggets "well done" or your sandwich with extra pickles at no extra charge. It might add 60 seconds to your wait, but the food is guaranteed to be fresh out of the fryer.
The Hermitage community relies on this spot for a reason. It’s consistent, the staff is generally more polite than your average fast-food crew, and it’s one of the few places in the area that can handle a massive rush without falling apart completely.
For the most up-to-date info or to place a large order, you can reach the store directly at (615) 889-2177. Just don't call on Sunday.