Chick-fil-A Supporters Defend Fast-Food Chain

BY RORY McGLASSON/

CARS are gridlocked as customers sit in vehicles bumper to bumper to order at the drive-through window at Columbus Boulevard Chick-fil-A in South Philadelphia on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. (c) 2012 Rory McGlasson

HUNDREDS of  Philadelphia-area Chick-fil-A supporters boosted sales, as they showed their support of the fast-food chain today.

Customers turned out in their droves to eat chicken sandwiches, and waffle fries on “Chick-fil-A Day” at the Columbus Boulevard eatery in South Philadelphia.

Former Arkansas Governor and former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee had declared today as “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” in support of the fast food chain and its President Dan Cathy.

Cathy, son of the chain’s founder and a Baptist, last week denounced gay marriage on a radio show, saying he supports the Biblical definition of a family unit.

Hordes of supporters began to descend on the Columbus Commons restaurant this morning for breakfast.

The eatery, located by the IKEA store and adjacent to the Wendy’s fast-food restaurant, had customers lining up outside the door by lunchtime.

GEORGE Sapunaru, 57, of center city, parks motorcycle at Columbus Commons Chick-fil-A for lunch today. The Romanian-born US citizen came to the eatery to support “Chick-fil-A Appreciation day”. He said, “I’m not anti-gay. I’m pro-Christian, but most importantly – I’m pro-American.” (c) 2012 Rory McGlasson

George Sapunaru, 57, was lucky to find a spot for his motorcycle, as he parked outside the Chick-fil-A for lunch. The Romanian-born US citizen said, “I’m not anti-gay. I’m pro-Christian, but most importantly – I’m pro-American.”

Another customer Paul Padolowki, 51, traveled 12 miles from his East Falls home to eat a chicken sandwich at the South Philadelphia restaurant because “today feels like a religious holiday.”

He said, “I’m here because I’m against liberal fascism … I would wait all day for a sandwich if I had to.”

Conservative radio host Dom Giordano sat inside the Columbus Boulevard Chick-fil-A eating a chicken sandwich and waffle fries.

Cars were gridlocked as customers sat in vehicles bumper to bumper to order at the drive-through window.

“It’s safe to say sales are up today,” said franchise owner John Hincken.

Not all are supportive of Cathy’s controversial comments, though.

Philadelphia City Councilman at-Large Jim Kenney blasted Cathy for his comments against gay marriage. In a fiery letter to Cathy, the South Philadelphia-based Democrat told the restaurant owner to “take a hike and take your intolerance with you.” Kenney might introduce a resolution in City Council in September condemning Chick-fil-A for expressing intolerance and hate.

Judging by the showing today from local conservatives, Kenney might want to reconsider his resolution.

Supporters of Chick-fil-A at Grant and the Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia were reported to be lining en masse to grab a bite today.

Opponents of Chick-fil-A plan a “Kiss Mor Chiks” event on Friday, asking people across the country of the same sex to show up at Chick-fil-A locations and kiss each other.

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