Chick-fil-A, a beloved fast-food chain with a strong presence in New Jersey, has reached a $4.4 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit centered around alleged inflated delivery prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This settlement, impacting customers in several states, offers an opportunity for eligible New Jersey residents to claim gift cards valued at $29.95. Let’s delve into the details of the lawsuit, settlement, and how customers can benefit.
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Lawsuit Origins and Allegations
The roots of the lawsuit can be traced back to October 2023, when allegations were raised against Chick-fil-A. The lawsuit claimed that the fast-food giant initially promised low delivery fees through its app or website but later increased menu prices for delivery orders by a significant 25%-30%. The essence of the complaint focused on the discrepancy between advertised low delivery fees and the subsequent spike in food prices for delivered orders.
The lawsuit brought to light that Chick-fil-A was purportedly inflating food prices for delivery orders, specifically highlighting a substantial increase of $5-$6 for a 30-count chicken nuggets order. The lack of transparency regarding this price surge became the focal point of discontent among customers, leading to the initiation of the class-action lawsuit.
Chick-fil-A’s Resolution and Transparency Measures
Chick-fil-A, while not admitting fault, opted for an amicable resolution by agreeing to the $4.4 million settlement. The settlement includes a provision of $1.45 million in cash and $2.95 million in gift cards to address the claims raised by affected customers. Class members, including those in New Jersey, may receive either a $29.95 payment or a $29.95 gift card, contingent on the number of participants in the settlement.
As part of the settlement, Chick-fil-A committed to improving transparency in its pricing practices. The chain will now include disclosure notices on its mobile app and website, explicitly stating that prices for delivered orders may differ from in-store purchases or pick-up orders. This move aims to provide customers with clearer information about potential price variations.
Eligibility and Claim Submission Process
To be eligible for the settlement, customers must have made a delivery order using the Chick-fil-A One App or website between November 1, 2019, and April 30, 2021. The settlement is applicable to orders placed from Chick-fil-A locations in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, or New York.
Customers who meet the eligibility criteria must submit their claims by February 15th to participate in the settlement. An essential aspect of the claim process is that eligible customers will receive an email notification. If an email is not received, the individual may not be eligible for the settlement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chick-fil-A gift card settlement offers New Jersey customers a chance to benefit from the resolution of a class-action lawsuit. The alleged discrepancies in delivery prices have led to transparency improvements by Chick-fil-A, accompanied by a substantial settlement fund. As eligible customers in New Jersey and other states navigate the claims process, the settlement aims to provide a fair resolution for those affected by the pricing concerns during the pandemic.