Chick-fil-A fans were met Wednesday with long lines and an overflow of cars in drivethrus 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.
One AJC reader wrote: The Hamilton Mill location is lined up to the interstate exit. The people have spoken."
If the company's slogan is "Eat Mor Chikin," then that wish certainly has been fulfilled in metro Atlanta. Every corner of the area reported a huge turnout for "Appreciation Day," the brainchild of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. Huckabee used Facebook and social media to ask fans from across the nation to support the company, 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 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 today in a show of solidarity.
"We love the Cathy family stand on biblical values," Greene said as she waited for breakfast in Powder Springs.
But 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."
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.
The company 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."
Bishop Paul Morton, senior pastor of Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church, purchased 200 Chick-fil-A sandwiches Wedneday to show his support of the chain. The sandwiches will be passed out Wednesday night at Changing A Generation East in Decatur after midweek service at 8:15 p.m.
Daniel Jordan of Atlanta showed up at the Chick-fil-A at CNN Center with the expressed purpose of supporting the company. He said while he disagreed with Cathy's position of marriage equality, he is equally opposed to shutting down a company because of the views of one of its leaders.
"Some people are trying to upset their business because of their opinions," he said. "The fact that they don't support gay marriage, what a surprise."
Erik Bloom, who tagged along with Jordan for a Chick-fil-A lunch, said Cathy should have kept his views private.
"I just think it's dumb to be that outspoken about it," said Bloom, an Atlanta resident. "I think it's a bad business move. In business, you have to be more politically correct."
For Teresa Williams, of Albany, N.Y., Wednesday was her first Chick-fil-A experience. Williams, who was visiting Atlanta, was talked into eating a Chick-fil-A by friend Megan Myers, a Rochester, N.Y., resident, who sang the praises of the company's chicken sandwiches. Both were aware of the controversy, but were unmoved by boycott efforts.
"Somebody's stupid comments won't stop me from having a milkshake," said Myers, who said she eats at Chick-fil-A whenever she visits Atlanta. "We arrived at 9 this morning and this is my first meal."
Chelsea Gordon said she was going with her family to Chick-fil-A late Wedneday to give back to the company, specifically because of the countless donations the South Cobb Drive location in Smyrna has given to the Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy. Gordon said whenever the Atlanta school needs help, the South Cobb Drive Chick-fil-A has been there with food or discounts that helps in the institutions fund-raising efforts.
"They always try to be accommodating and that is hard to find in a lot of businesses today," she said.
Though Stonecrest Mall in Lithonia had not yet opened, Martha Hyde, Betty Moses, Sylvia Parish and Ann Whitley wanted to be among the first Wednesday morning to demonstrate their "appreciation" for the facility's Chick-fil-A location.
"We just love Chick-fil-A, the food and the workers," the group, which meets daily to mall walk, said as they sat in the food court dining on Chick-fil-A biscuits, coffee and breakfast platters.
Conyers resident Clarence McSwain, who also was with the Stonecrest Mall walking group, said, "Chick-fil-A is a very nice establishment and I wholeheartedly go with Mr. Cathy and his values. I think he and Chick-fil-A have been consistent."
Parish, also of Conyers, agreed. "Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, so nobody should be surprised by their position on this. I think they are making a mountain out of a molehill."
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