Posted on 08/01/2012 9:48:07 AM PDT by madprof98
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 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.
Today is Chick-fil-A "Appreciation Day," the brainchild of former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. Huckabee last week asked fans of the Atlanta-based company to come out today to show their support for the chain, which has been the center of a media storm over statements made by Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy.
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. They plan a "Kiss in" on Friday to show their opposition to Cathy's remarks.
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."
There were indications during the morning rush that the event was having an impact. Cars waiting to get to the drivethru at the Powder Springs location spilled out into the street while business was brisk inside the packed Chick-fil-A store in Fayetteville.
Julie Greene of Marietta said she and her family including her children and her parents plan to eat breakfast, lunch and dinnner at Chick-fil-A today in a show of solidarity with the company.
"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."
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."
Stay tuned for updates throughout the day on this developing story.
See also: Stopped Clock; Blind Squirrel.
Someone will have to let me know if it makes the print version - I refuse to spend a nickel on that rag.
There are long lines, as much as a half mile long, waiting to be served at several of the Chick-fil-A’s in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area)
Augusta, GA, Evans, Ga, North Augusta, SC, Aiken, SC...all of them are packed and have lines.
America speaks and eats at Chick-fil-A!!!1
It is absolutely incredible here in south Asheville, NC. Traffic is backed up for miles. Never seen any thing like it. And the chicken is good too.
Just like 0bama is the gun salesman of the year for 3 years running,
the left and the homos are the chicken sandwich salespeople of the year in 2012.
Same here in little ol’ Richmond, KY. Parking lot was jammed full, drive through lanes were about 40 cars deep. People were parking in other lots and walking to the restaurant...it was crazy...lol
What is it about libs, where when they're confronted with an opinion they don't like, their first impulse is to offend, with behavior, false accusations, or simple profanity?
Oh, wait, does it have something to do with embracing indefensible positions and policies that have wrought wholesale destruction on those it intended to help?
Chick fil A can rest assured that I'll be swinging by to order my family's dinner tonight and lunch for tomorrow. For once in my life, I hope the line and wait are interminably long.
An example of how the MSM would edit this
People can't wait to vote against the Left and defeat them.
Sadly, I could not have Chick-Fil-A for lunch because I only had fifteen minutes to get it. Swill Japanese food for me today.
Chick-Fil-A
Was Not The Way
To Go Today>br>
(For me, at least...:)
When I passed Chick-fil-a this morning it was a madhouse. I passed again a few minutes ago and it was even worse. There were ridiculous stop and go lines from both directions to even get into the parking lot. I intend to take my family there tonight, even if it takes two hours to eat.
No Chick Filet near me - so I ordered stuff online
Just made my purchase. Cant wait to sport my Chick Filet gear in NYC!
Thank you for your order!
Your order will be processed within 2-3 business days.
We will notify you if a backorder situation arises. If you have questions, please e-mail us at customerservice@shopchick-fil-a.com.
Order Processed by shopchick-fil-a.com/
Order Number: 20717
FU Libs!
>> I expect it just kills the AJC to report this online. I’d be amazed if it makes the print edition.
I doubt it bothers them. They got to use the phrase “come out” to refer to CFA patrons. They probably think they’re clever.
Not-so-subtle.
SnakeDoc
Just got back from lunch at Chick-fil-A and it was incredible!
Long lines but the service was awesome for as busy they were. The quality is excellent as always but they were prepared and it was as efficient as a fast food place could possibly be.
I was expecting to see scurrying around and slow service due to the increased traffic but it was impressive to say the least.
Good job C-F-A for being prepared and getting everything right with all the hassle!!
Most impressive.
Chik Fil a on Blanco and 1604 in San Antonio is a madhouse. Traffic backed up, place is packed. Media outside.
I clocked a 25 minute wait at the Marietta GA store on Hwy 41. The manager was outside and was dripping in sweat. He said that this was the busiest day he had ever seen at this store.
Same here in Palm Bay,FL. The drive through line went all the way around the building.
There were two female protesters with signs - I guess they didn’t see the irony that they were allowed to display their opinions while the mayors of Chicago and Boston threatened to shut down Chick-Fil-A in their cities.
I did not see anything on AJC on line, and the noon Atlanta-ethnic-news leaders didn’t utter a peep, even though this is a 110% black city.
I wonder if you can buy a franchise ? I think this will make them bigger than some of the more well knowns
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