Holding an Auntie Anne's bag and drink cup, Pamela Doudrick looked at the 60-person line snaking its way from the Chick-fil-A counter through the West Manchester Mall Wednesday.
"We were here to support Chick-fil-A, but I took one look at that line and didn't want to wait," she said.
She and her daughter, Megan, decided on pretzels instead of chicken sandwiches for lunch, but made their support of the embattled restaurant known.
"It's the guy's personal opinion," Megan Doudrick said.
Megan Doudrick is referring to the controversy that has simmered since the Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A's president, Dan Cathy, said the company was "guilty as charged" for backing "the biblical definition of a family." He later added, "I think we are inviting God's judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, 'We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.'"
The reaction has been swift, with calls for both boycotts and "appreciation events" at Chick-fil-A.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is promoting Friday as "National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A," encouraging supporters to go to Chick-fil-A restaurants, kiss, and post their photos and videos online, "to show their support for love, equality and the real definition of family."
Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee dubbed Wednesday "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," on Facebook and urged customers to go to Chick-fil-A to show support. The event has more than 500,000 likes on the social networking site.
However, despite all the noise, Chick-fil-A is remaining relatively quiet on the crowds, saying that they merely want to continue operations as normal.
"Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not created by Chick-fil-A," said Steve Robinson, executive vice president of marketing. "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 into contact with Chick-fil-A."
The lack of official endorsement didn't matter at the West Manchester Mall location, where hundreds poured in to show their support.
After getting her lunch order filled at the restaurant, Karla Armstrong said she and Cathy "hold the same values."
"I'm planning to come here for dinner, too," she said.
However, Dave Markle, of East Manchester Township, said he won't be eating at Chick-fil-A due to Cathy's recent comments and past financial support of groups such as the Marriage & Family Foundation, Exodus International and the Family Research Council.
Markle planned a flash mob in protest of Chick-fil-A at the mall, but only he and another person showed up. He noted he also received some negative emails in response to his plan.
Markle said he used to patronize Chick-fil-A occasionally, but stopped when he learned the company's stance on gay rights.
"I realized that's not what I want to put my money toward," he said.
Apart from the debate surrounding gay rights, many supporters of the chicken chain expressed dismay at the backlash from politicians - such as Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee, who said Chick-fil-A restaurants would not be welcome in their cities.
Lee tweeted last week: "Closest (Chick-fil-A) to San Francisco is 40 miles away & I strongly recommend that they not try to come any closer."
"It's awfully extreme when government officials come down on a public business," said Teri Adams, president of the Philadelphia-based Independence Hall Tea Party Association, which is promoting a "Chick-fil-A Buycott," urging people to support the business.
Adams said the government has no place telling business owners what to say.
"(Cathy) is entitled to his opinion and he's entitled to express it under the Constitution," she said. "When individuals decide not to frequent a business, that's one thing. It's quite another when the government starts coming down onto a private business."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.



Facebook reaction


What do you think of all of the conversation surrounding Chick-fil-A?

  • "I think every one of us are entitled to our own beliefs and opinions. How boring would life be if we all thought and felt the same way? I'll still eat there." - Cassady Krinock
  • "They have the right to free speech. I have the right to not give my money to an intolerant company." - Austin Galiardi
  • "My wife and I are eating at Chick-fil-A today to show our support for the values of the owners of Chick-fil-A and free speech." - Bob Druck
  • "Yes, will definitely be going to Chick-fil-A today. Dan Cathy was asked a question and he gave his and his family's opinion, he is not forcing his opinion on anyone. He was honest and is being judged for that." - Cindy Hooper Hushon
  • "Why is whether I want a chicken sandwich or not a political decision? Sometimes a chicken sandwich, is just a chicken sandwich." - Mike Kraft

    Also of interest

    · Did Avalong's introduce broasted chicken to York countians?
    · Here is a call for Gino's Burgers and Chicken to return to York County
    · Share your comments on the controversy in our online forum.