SYRACUSE, N.Y. — There are those spots and places people go where they are welcomed in like family. And for Jimmer Szatkowski and his wife Betty Szatkowski, community plays a big part in keeping their Chick-fil-A restaurant going. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jimmer Szatkowski opened Upstate New York's first Chick-fil-A in 2018

  • Jimmer has been diagnosed with ALS nearly four years ago, but continues his role as the operation's owner

  • Regardless of the challenges Jimmer and his team have undergone, they have found the value in giving back essential to their job. They are collecting toy donations until Dec. 21 for Golisano Children's hospital

“We're not just like robots, like actual people, you know, we're working and we're all coming together,” Chick-fil-A manager Cecilia Mcglory said. “And he's just a great community person.”

The restaurant has become a part of the Skatkowski family for eight years, undergoing everyday challenges as any restaurant would. Conquering personal challenges has now become a part of their everyday life. 

“It was very difficult, because I think most people think ALS is a death sentence,” Jimmer said. “Everything takes longer, which really makes me impatient. But I have so many people who help me. It's incredible.”

Jimmer was diagnosed with ALS nearly four years ago.

“It was very hard for all of us,” Mcglory said. “A couple of months later, we got like a bunch of shirts - 'Jimmer Strong.' We wore them around the restaurant and it was devastating. I do have a disabled father at home, so I can kind of feel what Jimmer and Betty go through. It touched my heart.”

Despite Jimmer’s inability to move or speak, he continues his everyday role as the operations owner. 

“This is not a job for me,” Jimmer said. “It's my calling. So it's important when you have ALS to embrace your purpose.”

Regardless of the challenges Jimmer and his team have undergone, they have found the value in giving back essential to their job. 

“I have a heart for people who are in need,” Jimmer said. “This Christmas, we are donating toys to children at Golisano on Christmas Eve. So it's my favorite day of the year.”

Serving the community with more than just food and services, but hope. 

“His willingness to get out there every day and keep moving, never stop, you know, keeps going,” Mcglory said.

“I think when they see me keep going, it gives them hope,” Jimmer said. “I'm so grateful for the opportunity to help others. I never imagined that I would be able to have that kind of impact.”

An impact that has made everyone’s stomachs and hearts full. 

Dec. 21 is the last day Chick-fil-A in Cicero will be accepting childrens’ toys for the children of Golisano Hospital. Participants who bring in an unwrapped and new packaged toy of any age range can receive a dessert or entree DOC card of your choice per toy.