Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese Fraud: Ex-Employee Charged in $80K Scheme

A former Chick-fil-A employee in Grapevine, Texas, has been charged with stealing more than $80,000 through a fraudulent refund scheme involving macaroni and cheese orders, according to the Grapevine Police Department.

Keyshun Jones, who was terminated from his position at the restaurant in 2025, allegedly returned to the location multiple times and entered approximately 800 fake orders for macaroni and cheese before issuing refunds to his personal credit card. The scheme reportedly took place over several months, beginning in November 2025.

Details of the Scheme

The Grapevine Police Department initiated an investigation after restaurant owners reported a large number of suspicious refunds. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage which allegedly showed Jones carrying out the fraudulent transactions, despite no longer being employed by Chick-fil-A. Authorities have not yet disclosed how Jones was able to access the restaurant’s cash register system after his employment ended.

A warrant for Jones’ arrest was issued on April 6, 2026, and he was taken into custody on April 17, 2026, with assistance from the Texas Attorney General’s Fugitive Task Force and the Fort Worth Police Department. He now faces charges including property theft, money laundering, and evading arrest.

Employee Theft and Refund Fraud

According to police, schemes involving fake orders and fraudulent refunds are a common method of employee theft within the restaurant industry. Employees with access to point-of-sale systems can manipulate the systems to issue unauthorized refunds, diverting funds for personal gain.

The alleged amount stolen, exceeding $80,000, represents a significant financial loss for the Chick-fil-A franchise. While Chick-fil-A has not released an official statement regarding the incident, the case highlights the vulnerabilities restaurants face regarding internal fraud and the importance of robust security measures.

Legal Ramifications

The charges against Jones – property theft, money laundering, and evading arrest – carry potential penalties including imprisonment, and fines. The specific sentencing will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings and the discretion of the court. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses.

The case serves as a reminder of the potential for financial crime within businesses and the importance of internal controls to prevent and detect such activities. Restaurant owners and managers are encouraged to review their security protocols and employee access privileges to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.