Customers turned to social media, online petitions, even eBay, anything for Chick-fil-A to bring back its original classic barbecue dipping sauce.
It worked. The Atlanta-based chain heard from its loyal customer base and announced that it was bringing back its original sauce.
Starting Nov. 7, the sauce will be available upon request at Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide, including the many locations in North Texas.
"People are passionate about their sauces. Sweet or tangy, spicy or creamy, for many people, it's the sauce that makes the meal," the chain acknowledged in an online post.
In July, Chick-fil-A pulled its barbecue sauce and introduced a new "smokehouse barbecue sauce." The simple recipe update prompted a public outcry.
I just don't know if I want to bring kids into a world that will never let them taste the original chick fil a BBQ sauce.
— GG 4 hunnid (@GGthechamp) August 31, 2016
One customer started an online petition that amassed nearly 2,200 signatures. Tweets using #BringBacktheBBQ urged the chain to reinstate their favorite sauce.
Packets of the 1-ounce condiments were being shopped on eBay. One seller offered 15 packs for $33. Another wanted $9.99 for two packs.
The chain turned to social media in announcing the sauce's return. In a video, the chain showed employees reading tweets from disappointed customers.
"We're listening," the company posted in a statement. "After reading and rereading your messages aloud and on camera, we decided to change it back."
The barbeque sauce was a relatively simple menu change, because the sauces are prepackaged, a Chick-fil-A spokeswoman said Wednesday.
The chain also said it would reward 5,000 of its most diehard condiment advocates with a complimentary bottle of the classic sauce.
