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Day in the Life of a Chick-Fil-A Traffic Director-John Dunn
FOX 17 News By: John Dunn
One mid-state man puts his life on the line everyday.
Hes not a soldier, or a policeman, instead he directs the lunch time traffic at a Cool Springs restaurant.
John Driver is suiting up for action.
Lunchtime at the Cool Springs Chick-Fil-A is a mad rush.
The parking lot is set up like a racetrack.
"Just to direct the traffic in the right flow," says Driver.
And John, or J.D. as hes called, is the master of ceremonies.
"The main thing is make sure they don't block my drive thru," says J.D.
Like a bull fighter in Spain, J.D. is a traffic tamer, facing off with the beasts of the pavement.
"Out this way mama," says J.D.
J.D. is well suited for the job.
He spent 17 years in the Army, and hes used to dangerous situations.
"Few times there's been some close calls," says J.D.
A few years ago Chick-Fil-As franchise owner decided it was time to take control of the lunch rush.
"To try to get them through the line faster, and a little bit more personal contact with them as well," says Chick-Fil-A operator Bill Pfaender.
It took some time, but Cool Springs has finally found the right fit.
"Actually he's become quite the celebrity over the years, directing folks around and keeping them safe out here," says Pfaender.
J.D. says his job is more than just traffic management.
"I've got some customers who come here just about everyday," says J.D.
The drive thru is always full and there are always familiar faces.
"It doesn't really matter what time of the day that you come, it's always crowded. He does a good job, he does a really good job directing the traffic," says customer Shirley Whittle.
There you go, you have a great day, says J.D.
Some customers say without J.D., Chick-Fil-As parking lot would be chaotic.
"Even when it's raining he's there," says customer Amparo Gomez.
"Winter, snow, rains, whatever," says J.D.
Theres not time off on this job. J.D. keeps his head on a swivel. His feet dance between the lines. The cars keep coming.
Nobody here knows the economy is bad, says J.D.
Somehow everyone manages to get their chicken sandwiches quick, hot, and safe.
Its a small testament to a job well done on the parking lot pavement.
Have a great day, says J.D.
Chick-Fil-As all over the country have started to use traffic managers.
On the day we visited, 150 per hour came through the drive-thru. Thats just short of the record of 156 cars an hour.
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