Today we’d like to introduce you to Stanley Webster
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I come from humble beginnings, growing up in Madison, Alabama. Raised by my single mother, Belynda, I witnessed her incredible strength as she worked three minimum-wage jobs to make ends meet. My father was in and out of jail during my childhood, and unfortunately, substance abuse issues led to the separation of our family.
When I became a teenager, my mom had a heartfelt conversation with me about getting a job to help with our financial obligations, explaining that we were at risk of losing our home. Within two weeks, I started working at Chick-fil-A Madison under the guidance of Operator Norman Dull. I hadn’t been to a Chick-fil-A restaurant before I was hired, and as a new Team Member, I focused on tasks like refreshing beverages, speaking with guests, taking out the trash, and cleaning bathrooms.
Within six months, I earned a promotion to cashier, and I quickly realized how much I loved serving guests and making them smile. By my second year, I was a team leader eager to learn more about the business. One thing that truly stood out to me was Norman’s leadership style. He was incredibly hands-on as the owner of the business, and his willingness to work alongside the team inspired me and made me appreciate him even more.
By my senior year of high school, I was promoted again to a back-of-house leader. While things were progressing well at work, life at home remained challenging. My family lost our house to foreclosure, forcing us to move into an apartment. Then, in 2011, a tornado destroyed that apartment, leaving us with nothing. Norman and his wife, Danielle, extended their kindness and offered my family a temporary place to stay.
Norman became a mentor to me, both inside and outside the restaurant, and his support completely changed the trajectory of my life. I have so much respect for him and the belief he had in me.
After those formative years, I decided to make Chick-fil-A my career. In 2012, I moved to Los Angeles, drawn by its rich diversity, innovation, and creativity. Not long after, I joined Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Leadership Development Program. Over the next two years, I opened new Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country and served as an Interim Manager at various locations. At 26, I became the franchised Owner-Operator of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in downtown Philadelphia.
From the beginning, I focused on investing in my team, understanding that their growth would drive the restaurant’s success. While in Philadelphia, I partnered with organizations like Covenant House, raising funds to support homeless youth, and mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters. I also awarded over 20 Chick-fil-A leadership scholarships and dedicated myself to mentoring my team, just as Norman had mentored me.
In 2020, I returned to Los Angeles to open Chick-fil-A Cienega Triangle, where I continue to serve as the independent Owner-Operator. I prioritize care and culture, drawing on my real-life experiences while pursuing formal education to enhance my impact. I’m currently working toward a doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. This journey is equipping me with tools to create inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.
A defining characteristic of my life has been refusing to let circumstances or stereotypes define me. As a Black gay man, I deeply understand what it’s like to be part of a marginalized community. But I also know the transformative power of having someone believe in you and give you a chance. I firmly believe that anything is possible when you have faith in yourself and others.
I am committed to paying it forward. I became the first Los Angeles Chick-fil-A Operator to partner with the After School All-Stars Quest Program, a comprehensive initiative that equips high school students with critical college and workforce readiness skills. I also support the LadyLike Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit that empowers and inspires young women in underprivileged communities. Through Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table program, I donate prepared but unserved food to local food banks and soup kitchens.
Additionally, I partner with local schools to provide mentoring, coaching, financial literacy workshops, resume building, and interview skills training. I never forget where I came from or the people who helped me along the way. My goal is to mentor and uplift others just as Norman once did for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth, and my journey has been defined by its share of challenges and triumphs. Growing up in Madison, Alabama, as a mixed-race individual with a White mother and African American father, I faced the complexities of navigating two distinct racial identities. While society often treated me as African American, I wrestled with the challenge of not being fully accepted by either side of my family. This duality was particularly poignant in a southern state known for its historical racism and inequality.
Adding to this, my family faced significant financial struggles. My single mother, Belynda, worked three minimum-wage jobs to support us, but despite her efforts, we faced the risk of losing our home. At the age of 15, when my mother had a heartfelt conversation with me about our financial challenges, I realized I needed to step up. This led me to my first job at Chick-fil-A Madison under the mentorship of Operator Norman Dull. While I thrived at work, home life remained turbulent. After losing our house to foreclosure, we moved into an apartment, only for it to be destroyed in a 2011 tornado.
These struggles were compounded by the weight of societal expectations and the personal challenges of coming to terms with my identity as a gay, Christian man in a deeply conservative environment. Growing up in the South, I often felt torn between my faith, my racial identity, and my sexual orientation. Yet, these experiences shaped my resilience and deepened my empathy for others who feel caught between worlds.
Today, I reflect on how these formative experiences have given me a unique worldview. Driving past the cotton fields my ancestors once worked on served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before me. Coupled with my travels and exposure to diverse cultures, I’ve developed a perspective that embraces complexity and resilience. These lessons have become foundational in how I lead and how I approach challenges, ensuring I honor the struggles that shaped me while paying it forward to those I now have the privilege to mentor.
We’ve been impressed with Chick-fil-A Cienega Triangle, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Chick-fil-A Cienega Triangle, we are proud to serve freshly prepared food made with quality ingredients every day of the week (except Sunday, of course). Our restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items, from classics like the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, and Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries®, to breakfast options, salads, treats, and Kid’s Meals. We also specialize in catering, providing delicious and reliable options for groups of any size, making us a go-to choice for events and gatherings. Whether you’re stopping by for a meal or looking to cater a special occasion, we strive to provide exceptional service and a welcoming experience for all our guests.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to serving others—not just within the walls of our restaurant, but also throughout the community. At Chick-fil-A, we believe in giving back in ways that are meaningful to our customers and neighbors. From hosting school spirit nights to supporting local charities, we make it a priority to invest in the community we serve. For example, we partner with impactful organizations like After School All-Stars Quest Program, which prepares high school students for college and the workforce, and the LadyLike Foundation, which educates and empowers young women in underprivileged communities. Additionally, through Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table program, we donate prepared but unserved food to local food banks and soup kitchens to help fight hunger.
Our team culture is another defining characteristic of our brand. Working at Chick-fil-A Cienega Triangle is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, develop leadership skills, and be part of a people-focused environment that values care and teamwork. I take great pride in mentoring my team members and equipping them with skills for success both in and outside the restaurant. We regularly partner with local schools to offer mentoring, coaching, financial literacy workshops, and even resume-building and interview skills, helping individuals in our community thrive.
What I’m most proud of is the opportunity to “pay it forward” and create a culture of care and inclusivity. At Chick-fil-A Cienega Triangle, we don’t just serve food; we serve people, helping them grow and creating a positive impact in the lives of our team, customers, and community. We want our guests to know that when they choose Chick-fil-A, they’re not only getting quality food but also supporting a business that cares deeply about making a difference.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to prioritize building a strong foundation for your business or career by focusing on people first. Whether it’s your team, your customers, or your community, the relationships you nurture will ultimately determine your success. Invest in your people, mentor them, and help them grow—it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout my journey. Early on, I learned the importance of teamwork and leadership from my first Chick-fil-A Operator, Norman Dull, who not only guided me in the restaurant but also supported me during challenging times in my personal life. That experience taught me the value of genuinely caring for those you work with.
Another key piece of advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The world is always changing, and staying open to new ideas and opportunities is essential. Early on, I wish I had known just how much learning from others—mentors, colleagues, and even my team members—would shape the way I lead today. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance.
Lastly, remember the importance of giving back. A business or career should be about more than just making a profit; it should make a positive impact. Partnering with organizations like After School All-Stars Quest Program and the LadyLike Foundation has not only allowed me to serve my community but has also been deeply fulfilling. Finding ways to align your work with your values and give back will make your journey far more rewarding.
If I could go back and tell my younger self one thing, it would be to trust the process, focus on service, and know that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Starting out can be daunting, but with resilience, care for others, and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can create something truly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ca/cienega-triangle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stanleycortez/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-c-a4072680/
- Other: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/press-room/2024/05/meet-los-angeles-area-owner-operator-stanley-webster
Image Credits
Frankie Pepper
