National Appreciation Day packs every Chick-fil-A in area
Published 8:14 am Thursday, August 2, 2012
- In Pell City, the lobby was packed, some people waited over an hour for food and the drive thru line stretched down Highway 231 in both directions. It was all part of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee calling on Americans to eat at the chicken chain August 1 to show support for CEO, Dan Cathy, who recently made comments in which he affirmed his view that the Biblical view of marriage should be upheld.
Controversy fueled droves of St. Clair County diners to “eat more chicken” as they came out to patronize their local Chick-Fil-A’s Appreciation Day.
Pell City’s Chick-Fil-A was filled with wall-to-wall supporters while the Pell City police department directed traffic to the overflowing drive thru.
“I ate breakfast here this morning. The family met me for lunch and we’ll probably get an early dinner here tonight,” said Roy Bliss, principal at Iola Roberts Elementary School. “We give Chick-Fil-A our total support.”
Vying for a spot in the dining area, a free seat was a coveted item at this local eatery.
Upon receiving national recognition and heavy endorsement from former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee who declared August 1, 2012 Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day, it is apparent this deep-fried controversy won’t end soon.
Posting pictures on his Facebook page from Chicago to his home state, Huckabee is letting people know “It’s not about fried chicken, it’s about freedom of speech.”
Seen on the same Facebook page, Huckabee posted, “This is a simple act of having a meal at a place that sells chicken, not politics.”
St. Clair County District Court Judge Robert Minor was also on hand at the Pell City Chick-Fil-A showing his allegiance.
“It’s a matter of support,” Minor said. “People have the right to their opinion. Mr. Cathy didn’t say Chick-Fil-A wouldn’t serve or hire certain people of the community, he said Chick-Fil-A is supportive of the biblical definition of the family unit, which I support 100 percent.”
While Chick-Fil-A employees chanted, “Eat more chicken,” a passerby looking to dine-in said, “Today’s a day of celebration: buy extra.”
On Leeds Chick-Fil-A’s Facebook page, their status simply states, “All I can say is WOW!”
Pastor Cassandra Sheppard, the niece of the late Don Perry, Vice President of Corporate Public Relations for Chick-Fil-A who suddenly passed away last Friday, released a statement saying today is not only Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day; it is also Don Perry Appreciation Day to his family.
“Today is national Support Chick-Fil-A Day. Please support the company by buying a sandwich, drink or something in honor of my uncle,” Sheppard said. “It just happens to be the day of his burial as well.”
Perry was the first African-American corporate employee and administrator.
“He was the first black man to make seven figures in the company,” said Sheppard.
On a mission to “be America’s best quick-service restaurant,” it is safe to say people in the area want their Chick-Fil-A.
