In a clear sign that there may be hope yet for urban America, the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in New York City on Saturday — and it was a huge hit.
So much so that New Yorkers began lining up the day before the grand opening, with the line going around the block by the time the doors opened.
That’s not saying the momentous occasion went off without controversy — the Big Apple is still a liberal bastion, after all.
The Atlanta-based restaurant chain is owned by a conservative Christian family proud of their faith — the company closes all stores on Sundays to give employees an opportunity to worship if they choose. Chick-fil-A found itself engulfed in a firestorm of controversy in 2012 after CEO Dan Cathy publicly expressed support for traditional marriage.
Gay rights activists went on the attack, prompting Christian supporters to counter by participating in a Chick-fil-A appreciation day, initiated by now-Republican presidential contender Mike Huckabee, with the company seeing record-breaking sales that day.
And the militant gay rights folks were back Saturday, as were animal rights folks — because chickens are people too, or something like that.
“Chickens do have feelings! Just like we do,” the vegan activists chanted, according to the New York Post.
Not to be outdone, gay rights supporters chimed in: “We’re here! We’re queer! Get used to it!”
The only thing missing were the infamous, nearly naked Times Square painted ladies.
GoFundMe page for Oregon hero Chris Mintz tops 1/2 million dollars in 24 hours
Nevertheless, the day had a festive feel about it, with the first 100 people in line getting free Chick-fil-A for a year, along with a button that said: “I’m One of The #CFAFirst100.”
Social media users shared photos from the day that suggest the new restaurant should fare well. Here’s a sampling from Twitter:
It's cold, it's rainy, but these people are already waiting in line for free Chick-fil-A: http://t.co/4UlsAd23Js pic.twitter.com/cBG3EZhgbq
— Eater NY (@EaterNY) October 2, 2015
Line at 7pm tonight for new Chick fil-A in NYC, 11 1/2 hours before the doors open for grand opening (via @alillo) pic.twitter.com/x8jYYm4XUw
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 3, 2015
In NYC. There are 80,000 restaurants here. …and this is the line for @ChickfilA. pic.twitter.com/DKD89lii3W
— branthansen (@branthansen) October 3, 2015
We were a little excited for #nyccfa. pic.twitter.com/0PHospuU7o
— Grace Ellenberg (@GraceEllenberg) October 4, 2015
Yes, this is a @ChickfilA blanket!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻#NYCCFA #CFAFirst100 pic.twitter.com/9BvB4KkhTf
— Michael Eng (@flightmike) October 3, 2015
.@ChickfilA I've waited 7 years for this day… 🐮 #NYCCFA #CFAFirst100 cc: @flightmike @bogeybando @Ajstock pic.twitter.com/0Vxa3Ds7xa
— conzor (@conzor) October 3, 2015
Chick-fil-A opened its first New York location today, but not everyone was on board http://t.co/kY7kw7ZZiD pic.twitter.com/0ZvZNPNBdw
— AJC (@ajc) October 3, 2015
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
[email protected]
The longest-tenured writer at BizPac Review, Tom grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
BPR INSIDER COMMENTS
Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!
Comments are closed.