Chik-fil-A is joining the crowded streaming service industry according to reports.
“Deadline” reports that the popular restaurant chain has been working with major players in the entertainment industry to create, license and acquire family friendly content. The outlet’s sources revealed that new projects include a game show from Glassman Media. Those sources noted that the projects could launch as early as this year and that also has been talk of animation and scripted content. They article says that Brian Gibson of “The X Factor” fame is leading the charge for programming for the as-yet-unnamed streaming platform.
Chick-fil-A has dabbled in entertainment projects in the past. The company created “Stories of Evergreen Hills,” a series of short, animated films published on its website. The series “follows a young girl named Sam as she discovers how little acts of kindness can bring people together,” the description says.
Although fast food and entertainment may seem like an unlikely pairing, it’s not the first time two seemingly unrelated industries teamed up. Retail behemoth Walmart also got into the streaming business, partnering with Paramount+ to give Walmart+ members streaming access to the platform beginning in 2022.
“We know Walmart+ is providing members real value in their every day — from grocery shopping to filling up their tank and more,” senior vice president and general manager Chris Cracchiolo said at the time, explaining the connection. “With the addition of Paramount+, we are demonstrating our unique ability to help members save even more and live better by delivering entertainment for less, too.”
But the New York Times reports that Walmart and other start-up streaming services continue to struggle in a market that currently has 200 choices in the United States. The industry also faces challenges. According to Forbes, 44% of Americans have canceled a streaming service. Reuters reports that growth in the industry has fallen by 50%.
The fast food restaurant’s ties to entertainment are stronger than customers may realize. Chick-fil-A is owned by the Cathy family. According to “The Verge,” they control an independently managed trust, which helped found Atlanta-based company Trilith Studios, which frequently works with Marvel.
Chick-fil-A has yet to announce or publicly comment on its plans.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice