The first Chick-fil-A, a.k.a the Dwarf House, opened on May 23, 1946 in Hapeville, Georgia. Now, 80 years later, the restaurant is celebrating its anniversary in a big way with a “Newstalgia” Campaign. All year long, the chain will add new and returning specialty items to celebrate the milestone, including free Chick-fil-A for a year for certain lucky guests.

“This year marks more than an anniversary—it’s a celebration of the memories, meals and meaningful moments that have brought people together at Chick-fil-A for generations,” said Vice President of Brand Strategy, Advertising, and Media, Khalilah Cooper, in the company’s press release. “We have so much in store this year, delivering menu items and experiences that are fresh and exciting yet firmly rooted in Chick-fil-A’s renowned quality, care, generosity, and hospitality. We’re inviting Guests—old and new—to join us in celebrating our heritage, while looking ahead to the future with us.”

In 2026, all-new Frosted Sodas and Floats will earn permanent spots on the menu. Frosted Sodas will consist of the classic Icedream blended with your choice of soda, while the Floats will have layered Icedream and soda of your choice.

Soda flavors include Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Hi-C, Barq’s Root Beer, and more. Both of these fizzy and creamy drinks may be reminiscent of decades prior, but it’s the first time Chick-fil-A will permanently add drinks like this to their menu.

Other exciting offerings include four, retro-style Classic Cups with new designs coming out every few weeks. One very special Golden Fan Cup will be your opportunity to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. Three thousand cups will be randomly distributed across restaurant locations nationwide, and whoever has the chance to purchase one of these cups, wins. 

New kids meal offerings, a limited-time breakfast offering, exclusive Newstalgia-themed merchandise, and specialty plush cows are also part of the new campaign. The Original Chicken Sandwich will remain as good as always, but it will feature a new limited-time retro packaging, a nod to Chick-fil-A’s earlier years.

Fans will also be thrilled about the return of the famous Cow Appreciation Day, where guests who dress up like a cow get free Chick-fil-A, and the Cow Calendar, a popular and item offering free food coupons throughout the entire year.

Both of these, as well as new experiences for kids and family, will be introduced in 2026. All of these new and returning features will begin today, January 5 and be offered and/or released throughout the year. 

Related Stories

Starbucks Debuts New Seasonal Coffee and Creamer For You To Enjoy At Home

Wendy's Is Reviving A Sauce That Fans Feared Was Gone Forever