Chick-fil-A says it set a sales record on Wednesday, the day that supporters rallied around the fast-food chain amid a debate over its president's opposition to same-sex marriage.
The chain won't release sales numbers, but "we can confirm reports that it was a record-setting day," said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's executive vice president of marketing.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee had called on people to buy food at the chain on Wednesday, which he dubbed "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," after a backlash against the company and their president.
The controversy started after an interview with the fast-food restaurant chain's president and COO, Dan Cathy, appeared in The Baptist Press on July 16. He weighed in with his views on family.
"We are very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit," Cathy said. "We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that."
On a Facebook page Huckabee created announcing the event, more than 620,000 people said they would participate.
He called for a response to a backlash against the restaurants and its president. Customers flocked to the restaurants on Wednesday, many showing their support for the chain and Cathy's opposition to same-sex marriage.
Gay rights activists are planning to hold a "national same-sex kiss day at Chick-fil-A" on Friday.
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Mr. Cathy,
7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Judgment is an ugly business. One might be better served by being an example of goodness rather than pointing your finger at that which you believe to be sinful. What sins have you committed. According to this quote, at least one.
He's not judging anyone. He is merely stating his opinion about what he chooses to believe.
Just shows how many "Haters" there are in this country of ours.
My GAWD!! This is not about christian values or any other values. Any person may have any beliefs he or she wishes. Chick-fil-A is under the same law requirements as any other business in america. They have violated no law. The CEO has expressed his preferences and if he chooses to donate money for his beliefs....His choce. Lets not keep the momentum going thnking this is political when it is NOT.Free speech is still a right and there is an attempt to demolish that right if it runs counter to popular belief. But, that's the point of free speech and freedom of religion. It's so that it cannot be trampled by government; state or federal. Please people – get a hold of yourselves. I understand that this issue is laced with personal hurt and emtion, but it is ultimately one man's, and his group's beliefs. He does not and cannot, require the staff to believe a certain thing. Why are you people trying to persecute him for his beliefs? Is there someone persecuting you for yours? Report that if they are. This is not an example of a corporation trampling personal beliefs or orientation. Get a grip.
Let's see................"candidate Obama" opposed gay marriage yet wasn't crucified by the "left"..............I believe the word is hypocrisy. I will forever be fascinated by the philosophy of the "left", which seems to be, "You have freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom to form your own opinions.................AS LONG AS THEY MIRROR MINE!!!!!"
Tell me again what this has to do with this story?
I don't think an 8-pack nuggets and waffle fries was what Jesus had in mind.
Any business owner in America should feel free to hold his beliefs and state them to the public. Anybody can decide to buy his product or not buy. Thank God and the Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, Sons and Daughters who have died to protect this freedom. REMEMBER: IT WAS ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEVE!
That is the least intelligent (not to mention least original) comment I have ever read. Holy moly, get out a little more often.
Adam and Steve have also died to protect your freedom to say all that garbage
" REMEMBER: IT WAS ADAM AND EVE, NOT ADAM AND STEVE!"
REMEMBER: the book was written by a bunch of men over a long period of time then edited by other men to fit their agenda of power, money and to convert pagans. It was not written or inspired by god.
Unless you obtained a wife by removing one of your ribs, it ain't you either.
Wow. I was with you until your idiotic last line in CAPS.
Adam and Eve? So is incest ok? God seemed to approve that. Adam and Eve had two boys, remember?
No one is upset about the fact that he voiced his opinion. We are upset about what the opinion is, and are thus voicing our own opinion. Everyone who is making this a free-speech issue really doesn't understand their opposition's point.
So what?
Just remember that Adam and Steve also died for his, and your freedoms!
As usual I'm a day late (lol) but was there today for lunch – the folks at the counter smiled at me as if knowing why I was there (I must have looked nervous, as usual – lol)...
I don't like being in the middle of a controversy but will do it if God wants me to be there, and glad to be there today to add my own drop of support...
...as the blood of a dead creature trickles down your lips. You good, good man.
Who invited PETA?
Bigotry is always a big seller with the right-wing Christian community. The past ten years has convinced me to put effort into ensuring my grandchildren do not get sucked-in to the the cult of Christianity. Both are now old enough and intelligent enough not to accept the false message of love and peace – when really Christianity is about fear and hate.
Larry, Nice post. Anyone with half a brain agrees with you.
And boycotting businesses due to the differing beliefs of others is not about fear and hatred????????
Where is your open mind Larry?
This isn't about Christianity or Islam it is about the right to speak your mind without threat of persicution from people like you. As for your grandchildren I pray someone saves them from your twisted view.
Do employees at Chick-fil-a get good health insurance?
Great! America just got even fatter!
Talk about being intolerant, the Left can't accept an opinion that differs from theirs; what a bunch of hypocrites. Good for Chick-filet standing up to their beliefs. And to the left, your little protest mobilized those Americans who believe in free speech and their own religions.
please learn the definition of free speech as it applies to the con...sti..tut...ion
I also bet Mr. Cathy has at least one gay person in his extended family. But they would be afraid to be themselves for fear the Christians would judge them and most likely, disown them.
This used to be America where you were allowed to believe what you wanted. Unfortunately the Liberal Media, the Mayors of Chicago and New York and Joe Biden believe you your views conflict with theirs you should be harmed.
I have a Gay brother who has reading all the comments from the last few days on CNN and MSNBC sites. He laughs and mocks more liberal views than anybody. As a proud American who understands free speech he doesn't let what Cathy said bother him. He also thinks that holding a "kiss in" does nothing for the cause but promote a freak show type atmosphere. Gay people have the right to be Gay and Cathy has the right to say whatever he wants.
I agree totally.