Chick-fil-A fans jam restaurants in 'appreciation'

Long lines attest to the chain's popularity at a mall in Enid, Okla.
Long lines attest to the chain's popularity at a mall in Enid, Okla. (BILLY HEFTON / Enid News & Eagle)
By Leon Stafford and John Spink, ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
Posted: August 03, 2012

ATLANTA - Chick-fil-A fans were met Wednesday with long lines and an overflow of cars in drive-thrus as thousands packed the chain in what has been billed "Appreciation Day." The Atlanta-based chain, which has come under fire in the last few weeks because of remarks on gay marriage by company president Dan Cathy, was inundated with diners who wanted to demonstrate that they support Cathy's stance on same-sex unions or support his right to free speech.

Cathy's statements in June and July in support of the biblical definition of marriage raised the ire of supporters of gay unions, who have been increasingly concerned about the company's donations to anti-gay-marriage groups.

"Appreciation Day" was the brainchild of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who used Facebook and social media to ask fans from across the nation to support the nation's second-largest fast-food chicken chain.

Opponents of Cathy's position are planning a show of unity of their own on Friday with a "kiss-in" at locations across the nation.

Julie Greene of Marietta, Ga., was one who heeded Huckabee's call on Wednesday. She said she and her family - including her children and parents - planned to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at Chick-fil-A in a show of solidarity with Cathy's "biblical values."

But as she waited for breakfast in Powder Springs, Ga., Greene was quick to say that she had no hatred toward anyone. Her support comes down to free speech.

"Why can't [Cathy] say what he believes without being persecuted for it?" she said. "We have our freedoms. And freedom of speech is one of our greatest."

Chick-fil-A made clear that "Appreciation Day" is independent.

"Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was created by our fans, not Chick-fil-A," Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's executive vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "We appreciate all of our customers and are glad to serve them at any time. Our goal is simple: to provide great food, genuine hospitality, and to have a positive influence on all who come in to Chick-fil-A."

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