Craig Phillips, Owner/Operator

Wells Road
Craig Phillips is a servant-hearted leader whose life story fuels his passion for developing people and creating opportunities for others. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Craig joined the United States Marine Corps after high school, before earning a Finance degree from Kennesaw State University. His professional journey included leadership roles with both Home Depot and Target before he discovered Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose; a mission that immediately resonated with him and ultimately changed the trajectory of his career. Craig’s leadership is deeply personal. He understands firsthand the power of opportunity and mentorship. He believes every person deserves someone who will invest in them, challenge them, and help them discover their potential. Known for his humility, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to people development, Craig leads with a long-term perspective focused on helping others build better futures for themselves and their families.
Career Highlights
1996 - 2004
Served in the United States Marine Corps, earned a Finance degree from Kennesaw State University.
2008
Joined Chick-fil-A as an external candidate after being inspired by the company’s corporate purpose.
2008
Returned to his hometown area to lead Chick-fil-A Wells Road in Orange Park, Florida, just miles from where he grew up.
2024 - Present
Earned Guardian of the Brand recognition twice and achieved ten consecutive top operational evaluation scores while consistently ranking among the top restaurants for customer experience.
Present
Serves as an Operator Coach, mentors future Chick-fil-A leaders, and leads one of the company’s strongest talent development cultures while pursuing the mission of being a beacon of light in Orange Park.
Chick-fil-A Story

Craig’s Chick-fil-A journey began as an external candidate after successful leadership careers with Home Depot and Target. While living in Atlanta and attending Kennesaw State University, he was introduced to Chick-fil-A’s corporate purpose and was immediately drawn to the organization’s commitment to people and impact. That purpose became the foundation for his pursuit of the Operator path.

Today, Craig has spent nearly two decades with Chick-fil-A, serving as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Wells Road in Orange Park, Florida. Under his leadership, the restaurant has become known for exceptional culture, talent development, and operational excellence. His team consistently ranks among top performers in customer experience and operational metrics while maintaining remarkably high retention rates and long employee tenure.

Craig’s greatest accomplishment, however, is not measured by awards or sales. It is measured by the lives changed through the opportunities his restaurant provides. Through intentional leadership development, mentorship, and a deeply rooted culture of care, Craig has helped countless team members develop confidence, gain life skills, pursue leadership, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Vision and Values

Craig’s mission is simple but powerful:

“To be a beacon of light in Orange Park.”

That mission drives every aspect of the restaurant and is supported by five core values:

Humility, Teamwork, Thankfulness, Initiative, and Stewardship.

Together, these values shape how the team serves guests, develops leaders, and impacts the community.

Craig’s vision operates through a three-part approach. First, he invests heavily in developing team members through individualized leadership plans, coaching, and personal growth opportunities. Second, he works to be a beacon of light throughout Orange Park by supporting community initiatives, donating food, addressing local needs, and partnering with schools and organizations. Third, he serves the broader Chick-fil-A community by coaching Operators, mentoring leaders, and sharing best practices with restaurants across the country.

Craig sees every challenge as an opportunity to make a difference. His goal is for every guest, team member, and community partner to leave better than they arrived.

Career Opportunities