Lines were long for much of the day outside many Akron-area Chick-fil-A restaurants as many residents stopped by to make a political statement and grab a bite to eat.
The eatery has been embroiled in the national debate over gay marriage since the company’s president, Dan Cathy, denounced gay marriage last month on the ground that it violates biblical teachings.
Traffic jams were reported outside the chain’s eateries in Macedonia and Cuyahoga Falls on Wednesday.
By late afternoon, the lines were still long outside the chain’s Copley Township location, with traffic backed up waiting to enter the parking lot.
The long lines were part of a national call by former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee for the public to show its support for the privately held company that is unabashed about its Christian beliefs that include a policy that all of its restaurants be closed on Sundays.
There have been calls by some pundits and groups for a national boycott of the chain.
Managers at the eatery in Copley Township declined to comment.
Sabrina Walton, pastor at New Foundations Deliverance Ministries in Akron, said she decided to come out and show her support for the chain.
“Any time a Christian gives their opinion about something, it’s automatically called hate,” she said. “We should be able to voice our opinions without it causing an uproar or ruckus.”
Walton lamented that Cathy is being ostracized for publicly expressing his opinion of gay marriage.
“Back in the day, we were able to agree to disagree, but now there’s zero tolerance for anyone’s morals or standards or anything they believe in these days,” she said. “Whether you’re a Christian or not, you should be able to say we’re against something and not have it construed as if we hate something.”
Copley Township resident Gary Enberg said he supports the chain.
“We’re here to support their position and they have good food anyway,” Enberg said.
Clinton resident Bev Tonya said she likes the company’s Christian-based principles.
“It’s not a circumstance [the company finds itself in], it’s a moral right,” said her husband Tom. “We have a right to believe what we believe, too. And that’s the problem people don’t see.”
Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A executive vice president of marketing, said the appreciation event was not created by the company.
“We appreciate all of our customers and are glad to serve them at any time,” he said. “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.”
Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com.