TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – The Church’s Chicken on West Gentry Parkway in Tyler has a new air conditioning unit after a customer raised concerns about the restaurant’s broken AC and 7 On Your Side contacted the company.
Tony Maldonado said he first noticed the air conditioning was out when he and his brother came to eat at the restaurant on July 15.
“We were going to eat inside, but we didn’t eat inside because it was too hot. The air conditioning was broken,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado said the air conditioning remained out for the rest of the summer, with the exception of a small window unit. A NET Health (Northeast Texas Public Health District) inspection report from the end of August noted the window unit and said fans were being used inside.
Customer contacted corporate
Maldonado said he began calling the company’s corporate office to try to get the issue addressed.
“The last two weeks I called twice a week, and they said they elevated the complaint, but still nothing from corporate really,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado said he wanted the restaurant to prioritize conditions for both employees and customers.
“They need to take care of not only the employees, but the customers that come in,” Maldonado said. “You work where you work and you want to be comfortable. If you want to work out in the elements, that’s your business. But if you want to be inside, at least be cool.”
7 On Your Side gets involved
7 On Your Side’s Blake Holland called the restaurant and spoke with the manager on duty.
“Hey there. This is Blake over at KLTV. We’ve received some messages from viewers about the air conditioning being out at the restaurant. Is the AC still out?” Holland asked.
“I’m not going to answer those questions. I’m not entitled to,” the manager said.
Holland then emailed the company’s media relations team and received a response a few hours later. A corporate spokesperson said they had spoken with the franchisee and expected a new unit to be installed later that week. The spokesperson also said the restaurant’s lobby would be temporarily closed in the meantime. “Drive-thru only” signs were posted at the restaurant the same day we reached out.
“Take care of your employees. Take care of your customers. You’ll flourish in your business when you do that,” Maldonado said.
New unit installed
A week and a half after 7 On Your Side contacted the company, Maldonado photographed the old unit being removed after a new one was installed.
“There you go! 7 On Your Side! Exactly,” Maldonado said.
Photo showing old AC unit and crane used to do the work.(Tony M.)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not require employers to provide air conditioning in workspaces. Despite there being no requirement, OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68 to 76 degrees and says, “employers are responsible for protecting workers from temperature extremes.”
Need help solving a problem? Email 7onyourside@kltv.com.
Copyright 2026 KLTV. All rights reserved.
Dining and Cooking