Business

Fans And Protesters Appear At Chick-Fil-A Opening Of First New York Restaurant

Kerry Picket Political Reporter
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Amid dueling protesters, fans of the fast food chain Chick-fil-A lined up around a Manhattan block to be served the restaurant’s famous chicken at its grand opening of their first location in New York City.

The protesters outside the restaurant shouted at one another over LGBT issues, but individuals waiting in line did not seem to pay much mind to the noisy environment.

“I’m gay and I’m obsessed with Chick-fil-A,” Prospect Heights resident Courtney Kim said. She added, “My motto is that they’ll never hate gay people as much as I love fried chicken.”

“I don’t get it,” The Gothamist heard one girl say to her friend. “It’s just fast food.”

Another customer said, “I don’t stand with their values. But I do stand with their sandwiches.”

Chick-fil-A made headlines in 2012 when Dan Cathy, the chain’s CEO told an interviewer he did not support same sex marriage.

LGBT activists urged a nationwide boycott of the restaurant and some city mayors Like Boston’s Thomas Menino and Chicago’s Rahm Emanual attempted to ban the restaurant from the city for discrimination.

Chick-fil-A issued a statement in relation to the NYC protest, saying: “Chick-fil-A is aware of demonstrators who gathered at our restaurant today. Our grand opening day activities continue as planned, and we are focused on serving customers delicious food with great service. We are excited to serve all of our guests in New York City!”