Fast-food deals often surprise customers, but Chick-fil-A in Towson Place, Maryland, has introduced one that stands out: put away your phone during your meal, and enjoy a free dessert. The restaurant is offering free Icedream® Cones to guests who participate in their “Chick-fil-A® Cell Phone Coop Challenge.” This unique promotion is exclusive to this location and is not available nationwide.
Read on for details about this offer.
Understanding the Chick-fil-A Cell Phone Coop Challenge
The challenge is straightforward. As detailed in signage shared by the X account Complex, the steps are as follows:
- Request a coop from a team member, place all phones inside, and enjoy your meal together.
- Once finished, inform a team member, and everyone at the table will receive a complimentary Icedream® Cone.
- Take a coop and accept the challenge.
No apps, loyalty points, or additional purchases are required. Simply ask for a “coop,” place your phones inside, and enjoy your meal as if it were 2005.
The Chick-fil-A Towson Place location also highlighted the challenge in a Facebook post, encouraging customers to participate:
“Take the Dine-in Cell Phone Coop Challenge at Chick-fil-A Towson Place. Ask a Team Member for a coop, place all phones in the coop, and enjoy your meal together without distractions. When your table finishes, let a Team Member know and everyone will receive an Icedream Cone as a reward. Are you up for the challenge?”
The Widespread Issue of Phones at Dinner
Observing families absorbed in their phones during meals is common. A 2023 study indicates that 68 percent of households have someone using a phone at the table. Despite this, most people dislike the habit. The study reveals that 65 percent of respondents find it undesirable, and 42 percent consider it rude.
This disconnect highlights a common issue: many people are frustrated by phone use during meals, yet it persists in over two-thirds of households. It’s a habit many acknowledge as problematic but find difficult to change.
Future of the Challenge at Other Chick-fil-A Locations
Before planning a trip to Maryland, remember this challenge is exclusive to the Towson Place location. Chick-fil-A has not announced plans to expand the initiative to other stores.
Nevertheless, the idea has resonated online, gaining significant attention. The challenge is appealing due to its simplicity: put your phone away for 20 minutes in exchange for free ice cream and possibly a meaningful conversation with others at your table.
Whether other Chick-fil-A locations or competitors will adopt this idea is uncertain. For now, if you’re dining in at Towson Place, the coop awaits.



