Meet OWNER/OPERATOR, Chick-fil-A Owner / Operator, LOCATION

Taylor Locke, Owner/Operator

Barnes Crossing Mall

Taylor Locke is a relational and purpose-driven leader who is passionate about creating meaningful impact through leadership, hospitality, and genuine care for people. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Taylor graduated from Mississippi State University in 2012 and quickly stepped into the Chick-fil-A world with a heart for growth and service. Today, he leads alongside his wife, Jess, and together they are raising their three daughters — Georgia, Aniston, and Piper — while building a culture centered around faith, intentionality, and people development. Taylor believes leadership is about far more than operations or results. His personal mission is to “have an eternal impact on people” by loving others well, investing in growth, and creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. He is known for being highly relational, hands-on, and deeply intentional with his team members. Whether mentoring leaders, encouraging personal development, or simply being present in the restaurant, Taylor strives to lead with humility, consistency, and heart.

Career Highlights

2012

Graduated from Mississippi State University, began Chick-fil-A career at Chick-fil-A East Memphis

2012-2016

Served in multiple leadership roles while developing a passion for the Operator path

2016

Entered Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program (LDP)

2016-2019

Served restaurants across the country through LDP while gaining operational and leadership experience

2019

Selected as Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Barnes Crossing Mall in Tupelo, Mississippi

Present

Building a people-first culture focused on growth, excellence, and leadership development

Chick-fil-A Story

Taylor’s Chick-fil-A journey began shortly after graduating college, when he joined Chick-fil-A East Memphis under Owner/Operator Scott Malone. What started as curiosity about the Operator path quickly turned into a deep passion for leadership and people development. Over four years in East Memphis, Taylor served in multiple leadership roles while learning firsthand what it meant to lead with excellence, care, and integrity.

He later entered Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program (LDP), where he spent over two years serving restaurants across the country alongside his wife, Jess. During that season, Taylor gained invaluable operational experience while refining his leadership philosophy and vision for future ownership.

In October 2019, Taylor was selected as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Barnes Crossing Mall in Tupelo, Mississippi — just months before the challenges of 2020 began. Through changing circumstances, staffing challenges, and the unique demands of mall operations, Taylor has remained committed to growing stronger as a leader while building a restaurant culture rooted in development, accountability, and care for others.

Vision and Values

At Chick-fil-A Barnes Crossing Mall, Taylor’s purpose is clear:

“To glorify God by transforming the lives of our team members and guests through unforgettable experiences.”

That purpose shapes every aspect of the restaurant culture. Taylor has built his leadership philosophy around the acronym HEART:

H – Heart of a Servant

E – Energetic Attitude

A – Aim for Excellence

R – Ready and Urgent

T – Teachable Spirit

Taylor is passionate about helping people grow professionally, personally, and spiritually. He believes Chick-fil-A is more than a restaurant — it is an opportunity to mentor, develop, and invest in people for the long term. His leadership style emphasizes intentional relationships, hands-on coaching, and empowering others to grow into the best version of themselves.

Whether serving guests in Tupelo or mentoring future leaders within the restaurant, Taylor hopes every person who walks through the doors leaves feeling encouraged, cared for, and valued.