McDonald’s has seen its share of competition through the years and has reacted to it with mixed results. Just recently, the fast-food giant tried to take on Starbucks by offering its own “Premium Roast Coffee,” and now Mickey D’s is trying to win back market share from one of my favorites, Chick-fil-A.

It’s no secret that McDonald’s new “Southern Style Chicken Sandwich” is a direct knock-off of Chick-fil-A’s flagship product, right down to the buttered bun with two pickles slapped on. (There’s also a biscuit version much like Chick-fil-A’s breakfast offering.) Plus, McDonald’s developed and tested the sandwich right in Chick-fil-A’s backyard, metro Atlanta, and success there led to it’s nationwide roll-out earlier this month. Today, you can try one for free with the purchase of a medium or large drink. If you’ve eaten one, let us know what you think. Has McDonald’s captured the essence of the Chick-fil-A sandwich? Or should they stick to the McRib?

I’ve always liked Chick-fil-A, even when I only could get one when I happened to be at the mall. Now with its freestanding locations, I’m able to get a Chick-fil-A fix more often, and I appreciate how the local franchisee does a lot to support schools in the area, including my daughter’s. I also respect founder Truett Cathy’s decision to keep his restaurants closed on Sundays. A decision that, according to the FAQ at Chick-fil-A’s website, was made for both practical and spiritual reasons: “[Cathy] believes that all franchised Chick-fil-A Operators and Restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so.”

Yesterday, as I was driving through west-central North Carolina, I saw a billboard touting McDonald’s new offering while simultaneously taking a jab at Chick-fil-A’s never-on-Sunday policy. It read something like, “McDonald’s New Southern Style Chicken Sandwich, available all-day, every day, including Sundays.” That just made me want to stick with Chick-fil-A even more.