NOM BLOG

Category Archives: Chick-fil-A

Voting With Our Wallets

Did you know that Starbucks was recently reported to be perceived as the most LGBT-friendly brand in the U.S.? JCPenney, Target, Apple and Amazon round out the top five.

If you've been following the national marriage battle over the past 18 months this should come as no surprise. Starbucks has said that gay ‘marriage’ is one of its corporate values. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who recently purchased the Washington Post, gave hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money to redefine marriage in Washington State. Target and JC Penny both support gay ‘marriage’ and the homosexual lifestyle in general, as does Apple.

In the same survey, it was reported that 75% of LGBT respondents said they were actively boycotting Chick-fil-A.

We only vote at a ballot box once a year at most. But we vote with our wallets every day. That’s why NOM maintains its Corporate Fairness Project - which includes the Dump Starbucks, Dump General Mills, and Thank Chick-fil-A initiatives – to inform you of what companies are taking active stands in the marriage battle, and where your money is best spent in defense of this sacred institution.

Dump Starbucks

VICTORY: Chick-Fil-A Sales Up $500 Million as 96 New Locations Open

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Chick-Fil-A Appreciation program! Your efforts help demonstrate to Americans of good will that pro-marriage business owners have a right to their beliefs and we have a right to support them!

Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s controversial comments on “biblical” marriage last summer and the uproar that followed didn’t dampen the Atlanta company’s annual sales.

The fast food giant, the nation’s second-largest chicken chain, ended 2012 with $4.6 billion in sales — up 14 percent from $4.1 billion a year earlier. The company also opened 96 news stores, four more than the year before.

The company does not have to publicize financial results because it is privately owned. It made revenue and store growth figures available at the request of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Supporters of Cathy’s views against gay marriage and his right to express them hailed the numbers as a victory, saying a summer boycott of the chain by backers of gay marriage failed. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Chick-fil-A Makes Record-Breaking Profits After Marriage Controversy!

A great reminder that our pro-marriage activism pays-off and sends the right message to corporations and brave pro-marriage individuals!

Thank you to everyone who answered our call to celebrate Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and to continue supporting Dan Cathy's business through the election:

Chick-fil-A has learned upholding traditional values is not just good for the soul; it’s also good for business. Since President Dan Cathy stirred up a firestorm of controversy and protests by daring to say in public that he supports traditional marriage, the fast food chain has enjoyed record sales and increased brand recognition.

A typical line on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, August 1.

A typical line on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, August 1.

According to a report by USA Today, consumer use, visits, and ad awareness all rose measurably in the third quarter, despite widespread negative media coverage of Cathy’s remarks to the Baptist Press opposing same-sex “marriage.”

A Sandelman and Associates survey of more than 30,000 fast-food shoppers in markets where Chick-fil-A operates showed consumer use of the restaurant chain rose 2.2 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period in 2011. Their market share rose 0.6 percent. Awareness of their advertising rose 6.5 percent.

Jeff Davis, president of Sandelman and Associates, said the restaurant increased its regular customer base in 80 percent of its markets.

The upswing in business may have started August 1 with “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” when consumers flocked to Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide to show their support for free speech and traditional marriage. The business enjoyed record sales that day, as people waited in long lines in restaurants and in drive-thrus to buy chicken from the chain. --LifeSiteNews

Maine Blogger: Treworgy Farm is the New Chick-Fil-A

Aaron Prill lives in and blogs about current events and politics in Maine:

This past weekend Treworgy Family Orchards became the “Chick-Fil-A of Maine” in that they exercised their freedom of speech to show support for traditional marriage, and as a result received backlash from the homosexual community and those that support their agenda. The simple act of placing a “NO on Question 1″ campaign sign in front of their family-owned business was labeled bigotry and hate-speech. Much of this backlash was expressed on their business Facebook page, but the Bangor Daily News reportsthat they were finally strong-armed into removing the sign by people stopping into the business to express their displeasure with it being there.

This incident is further proof that the crowd who continually cries for tolerance is only “tolerant” if you support their agenda. I expressed this sentiment directly on the Treworgy’s Facebook page, and was immediately bombarded with the usual, predictable responses.

... to witness fellow Christians such as the Treworgy’s being persecuted for their heart-felt beliefs has prodded me to speak out. And while I’m just another voice in the wilderness, and by no means think I speak for anyone but myself, I’ve concluded the platform this blog allows must no longer be silent on the same-sex marriage issue. -- CounterCulture

Mike Huckabee: Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A is Still Pro-Marriage

From Mike Huckabee's Facebook page:

I talked earlier today personally with Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick Fil-A about the new reports that Chick Fil-A had capitulated to demands of the supporters of same sex marriage. This is not true. The company continues to focus on the fair treatment of all of its customers and employees, but to end confusion gave me this statement: 

“There continues to be erroneous implications in the media that Chick-fil-A changed our practices and priorities in order to obtain permission for a new restaurant in Chicago. That is incorrect. Chick-fil-A made no such concessions, and we remain true to who we are and who we have been.”

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy: We Have Made No "Concessions" to Same-Sex Marriage Supporters

The Blaze on Dan Cathy setting the record straight:

On Friday, Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy said media reports claiming the restaurant chain will no longer give charitable donations to groups that oppose same-sex marriage are untrue.

Cathy issued a statement on former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s website, one day after Chick-fil-A released a company statement arguing that their corporate giving has been “mischaracterized” by the media.

“There continues to be erroneous implications in the media that Chick-fil-A changed our practices and priorities in order to obtain permission for a new restaurant in Chicago. That is incorrect. Chick-fil-A made no such concessions, and we remain true to who we are and who we have been,” Cathy wrote in his statement.

The controversy flared up this week when a Chicago politician said the company was no longer giving to conservative groups, like Focus on the Family, that oppose same-sex marriage in exchange for being allowing to open up a restaurant in Chicago.

In its statement Thursday, the Georgia-based company said its corporate giving was not intended to “support political or social agendas” but rather to support “programs that educate youth, strengthen families and enrich marriages, and support communities.”

Brian Brown on Chick-fil-A: "Dan Cathy Has Not Changed His Position on Marriage"

LifeSiteNews:

According to a statement from Civil Right Agenda, a homosexual rights group, Moreno has confirmed that Chick-fil-A will no longer give money to “anti-gay organizations” through its charitable foundation, WinShape, and has agreed to clarify “in an internal document that the company will treat every person equally, regardless of sexual orientation.” Moreno says he will no longer oppose Chick-fil-a’s efforts to open a location in Logan Square.

However, it is unclear how much has really changed.

... Interestingly, many news agencies reported that Civil Rights Agenda press release had originally mentioned Focus on the Family and the National Organization for Marriage as specific organizations that WinShape would no longer donate to.

That statement is no longer in the homosexual organization’s release. And it’s not hard to figure out why. Neither of these organizations received any funds from WinShape in 2010 – the last year for which figures are available. In fact, according to a statement from NOM today, NOM has never received funding from WinShape.

... NOM President Brian Brown told LifeSiteNews today that the egregious part of this story is that an alderman would tell a company what they can or can’t believe if they are to be granted access to the marketplace. “Dan Cathy has not changed his position on marriage,” he said, adding that he is still urging pro-marriage Americans to support the restaurant chain.

WND: Press Suckered by Chick-fil-A Nonstory

Dave Tombers reports on the recent broohaha over Chick-fil-A and notes that Chick-fil-A has not changed their tune.

Instead, gay activists attempted to create a false media narrative:

“Chick-fil-A says it will stop funding antigay groups” proclaimed the Detroit Free Press
... It was a statement from The Civil Rights Agenda that prompted the recent headlines. It stated that Moreno “finalized” negotiations with the company with a promise to no longer give money to “anti-gay” organizations.

The statement said of the Cathy family’s foundation, the WinShape Foundation, “is now taking a much closer look at the organizations it considers helping, and in that process will remain true to its stated philosophy of not supporting organizations with political agendas.”

But it was in July when the company stated, “Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”

The Civil Rights Agenda didn’t name groups, but others did. One was the National Organization for Marriage, which responded immediately, “Despite recent news articles claiming Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation donated money to our organization – this is false. The National Organization for Marriage has never received funding from them. We support Chick-fil-A’s philosophy that every person is treated with ‘honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender;’ and we will continue to endorse ‘Chick-fil-A Wednesdays’ calling upon all supporters of marriage, free speech and religious liberty to thank Chick-fil-A’s president, Dan Cathy, for taking a courageous stand to speak out in defense of marriage and his freedom to speak.”

The Blaze and Christian Post Report on NOM's Chick-fil-A Wednesdays!

The Christan Post:

A national organization advocating for defining marriage being between one man and one woman has announced that they intend to hold a weekly "Chick-fil-A Wednesday." 

In response to the success of the Aug. 1 observance, the National Organization for Marriage began having weekly "Chick-fil-A Wednesdays" beginning Aug. 15.

Jonathan Baker, spokesman for NOM, told The Christian Post that having weekly observances of "Chick-fil-A Wednesday" is meant to "help people to realize they are not alone in their support for marriage."

The Blaze:

If you thought the massive support that Chick-fil-A received in the wake of the controversy surrounding its president, Dan Cathy, and his public comments against gay marriage was a passing ship, you’re wrong.

Just weeks ago, following public outcry and claims of “hate,“ Mike Huckabee organized ”Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” bringing scores of individuals out of their homes and into the restaurant to support its ideals. Now, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), an organization that supports traditional marriage, is coming out with a weekly way to support the food chain — “Chick-fil-A Wednesdays.”

Don't forget to send Chick-fil-A and Dan Cathy a quick note of thanks for taking a firm stand on marriage! http://www.thankchickfila.com/

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts Embraces "Freedom From Religion," Pegs Chick-fil-A As Racists

Tim Graham of NewsBusters:

[MSNBC's Mr. Roberts told the New York Observer]: We asked Mr. Roberts how the gay movement—consumed over the past week in a battle over the actions of Chick-fil-A, a Georgia-based chicken sandwich-monger—could distinguish between signal and noise. Mr. Roberts didn’t see it that way. “They’ve been a longstanding company, I think since the 1950s, based in Georgia. I would love if we could figure out what they did for Loving v. Virginia back in the 1960s,” he said referencing the landmark case striking down anti-miscegenation laws. “I would venture a guess: I think I know what they would say."

“The great thing that I love about our country is that though we were founded on freedom of religion, most important and most overlooked is that we were founded on freedom from religion … I fully believe in traditional marriage. You want one, go get one.”

Brian Brown on Election Day at Chick-Fil-A

A must-read from our President Brian Brown on Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day and what it means for the marriage elections in November:

"...This isn’t the first time that supporters of traditional marriage have expressed themselves. The usual method is for them to cast ballots in state elections to preserve marriage. Over 46 million voters in 32 consecutive states have quietly voted to preserve traditional marriage. In no state election has same-sex marriage ever won.

But the public nature of Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day is different from the privacy of the voting booth. We heard from hundreds of people who were heartened to see the long lines — vivid confirmation that they are not alone, that a strong majority of Americans agree with them that the institution of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is worth defending. People were grateful to belong to a community where they could openly meet with like-minded citizens and talk about marriage, family, and the truth of God’s design for society.

The genie is out of the bottle, and there’s no way for gay-marriage activists to put it back. NOM has launched a call to Americans to eat at Chick-fil-A not just once, but every Wednesday through the election. It will benefit a noble family-owned business and, moreover, help people to build on the sense of community that so many of them were surprised to experience last week. We’re encouraging people to go to www.thankchickfila.com to register their support, and then to bring their family, friends, and church groups every Wednesday to enjoy some great chicken, and some wonderful camaraderie in the community of faith. Go before or after church services, have your Bible-study group meet at the restaurant, bring your book club, etc. Whatever you do on Wednesdays, do it at Chick-fil-A."-- National Review

CBN News: NOM Calls for Chick-fil-A Wednesdays!

CBN News:

Piggybacking off the success of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," the National Organization for Marriage is calling on Americans to support traditional marriage by eating at the chicken sandwich chain every Wednesday through the November election.

Chick-fil-A has taken flap after its president Dan Cathy publicly voiced his support of traditional marriage.

Gay rights activists and other opponents are now working to ban the restaurant because of Cathy's conservative stance.

Over the weekend, Texas governor and former GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry also chimed in on the controversy, telling a group of Iowa conservatives that "political correctness has to stop."

"Bachelorette" Star Ryan Bowers Tweets Support for Chick-fil-A, "Sanctity of Marriage"

"Bachelorette" star Ryan Bowers tweeted his support for Chick-fil-A and the "sanctity of marriage" on the Appreciation Day:

"Everyone is eating at chik fil-a today to support the Kathy family and their stand for the sanctity of marriage!!! Lv it!"

He went on to tweet:

I love people. Their sin is no worse than my own. I'm just willing to recognize mine and work to please my savior 🙂

And:

Obedience to Christ doesn't equate to judgement. Love the sinner just not the sin. Not always easy.

Maryland Democrat City Council Member Supports New Chick-fil-A Store

The Washington Times:

The decision whether to eat at Chick-fil-A has become a hot-button issue since the fast food company’s president opened up about his support for traditional marriage, but one local politician says she’s not making a political statement by welcoming the company with open arms.

Prince George's County Council member Karen R. Toles, a Democrat, said she’s attending the opening of a Chick-fil-A in District Heights on Thursday to celebrate the economic development in her community.

“When you have someone who hires over 100 people from your county alone, that is something to celebrate,” Ms. Toles said.

 

Chick-fil-A Opens New Store in Kansas, Hundreds Turn Up

The Franchise-Herald:

Following the Chick-fil-A anti-gay marriage controversy that surrounded the fast food chain last month, Chick-fil-A appears to not be slowing down and opened a new west Wichita, Kansas.More than a hundred people woke up early Wednesday morning to line up outside the store for the chance to get a year's worth of free Chick-fil-A.

All those who showed up Wednesday morning got a number and then a raffle was held to choose 100 people plus ten alternates. Those people have to camp out for 24 hours in order to get their reward, according to KAKE News.