Chick-fil-A Mobbed by Supporters
Thousands flock to eat chicken in support of restaurant and its president's views
Photos
The line at Chick-fil-A in Strongsville stretched around the restaurant and out the door Wednesday for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, an event organized to support the company and its president in the wake of controversy over his views on gay marriage.
"We just want to make a statement. We have family values, Christian values, and we're supportive of anyone who has those values," said Bonnie Sander of Brunswick.
"We need to stand up for freedom of speech," her husband, Don, added.
They were part of a nationwide show of support for Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, who sparked controversy -- and boycotts of the restaurant -- recently when he acknowledged he does not support gay marriage.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee rallied support for the business on his Facebook page by proclaiming Aug. 1 Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.
The parking lot and drive-through in Strongsville were still jammed at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and customers said the line of cars at lunchtime was backed up onto I-71.
Most said they didn't mind waiting in line.
"We came to support the owner's position, and his right to say it," said Carmella Juarbe of Mayfield Heights. "We live in a country with freedom of religion."
"He shouldn't be chastized for saying what he believes," agreed her daughter, Sophia, of North Royalton.
Franchise owner Brian Wellman declined to comment, instead referring to a company statement that says the firm has always applied "biblically based principles" like closing on Sundays, but treats every customer with "honor, dignity and respect."
The Sanders said they had never been to the fast food restaurant before, but will make a point of going there now.
"We will eat at Chick-fil-A now every time we see one," Bonnie said.
Of course, not everyone at the restaurant was there to show support. One man who said he wasn't aware of the Appreciation Day took a look at the crowd and left.
"I really don't care who marries who," he said. "But I'm not waiting in that line."
Word is that gay rights groups will be at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country on Friday to protest the company's stance.
herpyderp
7:43 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Ooooh the poor white Christians are losing their freedom of speech! How sad!
Everyone who went to this today is a bigot.
Jean Williams
8:41 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
with a name of herpy your opinion means very little to most
Beverly
10:29 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Don't understand what all the hoopla is about-everyone knows Chick_Fil_A is a Christian based business-they don't even open Sundays.Since when in America did people lose the right to express their beliefs?You don't have to agree-believe what you want to believe.Do you realize how much free publicity this is giving them? They are already under fire for not honoring Entertainment book coupons that THEY signed a contract for-and lying to customers about why they won't honor them.They will tell you the coupons were printed without their permission-FOR THE LAST 10 plus YEARS? Entertainment Book participants contract with those whose offers are in their books-it's advertising for them! As a Christian business,I wouldn't expect them to lie,but evidently they do-call ENTERTAINMENT publications & they will verify for you.
Beverly
10:34 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
It's like many businesses in our town,they make up whatever they need to suit them-look how Jardines went to council over a year ago to have regulations changed to allow a crematory that emits mercury & dangerous metals.They claimed at the time there were no immediate plans for a crematory-yet less than a year later our fine allegedly corrupt council of "friends" put it right through. Yep, Stronsville's going up in smoke(hazardous too)-literally.
Beverly
10:38 am on Thursday, August 2, 2012
Brian Wellman- "Chick-Fil-A treats customers with honor,dignity & respect" You sound like the Jardines-and you can say it as much as you want,but lying to customers doesn't make them feel honored,dignified & respected- instead, they feel just upset, deceived,scammed & not wanting to support your businesses. Both of you may want to revisit the bible : "Do Unto Others" folks! "Though shalt not lie"....