Chick-fil-A Has a Bad Rep; Should They?
Chick-fil-A Has a Bad Rep; Should They?
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
1 Corinthians [15:58]
San Antonio and Buffalo recently banned Chick-fil-A from operating in its airports, largely as a result of its position on sexuality and its anti-abortion stance. For years, Chick-fil-A has been rock steady on these stances, which has infuriated some who disagree. Many have protested the restaurants, resulting in some bans in liberal communities. Certainly, as Americans, it is their right to protest, but is it fair?
There is another side to the story.
Chick-fil-A is a Christian-based business that lives up to its values. During the most recent Super Bowl held in Atlanta, the Chick-fil-A concession stand in the stadium was closed. The reason for the closure is their corporate position of remaining closed on the Sabbath. The choice between profits or sticking to their beliefs was easy: Chick-fil-A chose to close. While perhaps controversial in some of their beliefs, Chick-fil-A stands by them.
Perhaps you didn’t hear about the Chick-fil-A employee who leaped through a drive-thru window to save a choking child. The child was being strangled by his seat belt, and the employee, using a penknife, freed him.
Or the story of a homeless man who went into a Chick-fil-A begging for a few scraps and instead received a full meal and prayers.
Or how in Maryland, a Chick-fil-A store manager went to the aid of a ninety-six-year-old veteran and fixed his flat tire.
Or the boy who was scheduled for brain tumor surgery the Monday after Easter and requested a meal from Chick-fil-A. Even though it was a Sunday when the restaurant was closed, the manager of the local franchise went to his store, prepared the meal, and delivered it to the courageous young boy.
Chick-fil-A practices what it preaches through inspiring and empowering their employees and sticking to their beliefs. Despite protests from a few, Chick-fil-A can be counted on to stick to their guns.
Chick-fil-A is one of America’s fastest-growing food chains and currently ranks third—behind only MacDonald’s and Starbucks—in total volume. There is a reason for their remarkable success. Their stores are manned by happy and committed employees who are well trained, not only in the operations but in the right Christian attitudes. The ownership, in turn, always gives all credit for their success to God and their employees.
It’s just good business
In my own visits to Chick-fil-A, I am always amazed at their lines, whether in the drive-thru or in the store. They are long but orderly. The lines move quickly, and the employees are always smiling. Friendly people abound in Chick-fil-A’s restaurants. And, as a former business person, I am always impressed by the consistency of their operations from location to location.
Chick-fil-A is also very careful when deciding who to sell their franchises to. Potential franchisers must work for Chick-fil-A for two years before a candidate is considered. Only when you have worked the lines and are familiar with their operations will they sell you a franchise.
Perhaps ironically, the opposition against them only encourages their loyal customers to visit more often. After each protest, their sales skyrocket from the silent support of the many Christians who believe in the values that Chick-fil-A upholds.
In my new book, Your Faith Has Made You well, I give examples of Christian people and businesses to admire. We should admire a company that sticks to their beliefs despite the protests against them. Certainly, there are things we will disagree within any organization or person, and Chick-fil-A is no exception. Disagreements are opportunities for change, whether that change comes within ourselves or in others. To only seek out those who agree with us, narrows our views in life and restricts our Christian values.
I love going to Chick-fil-A.
The food is good, and I always smile. Any organization that hires the kind of people who will jump through windows to save children or give food to the poor will always get my business.
And many agree with me. Chick-fil-A isn’t successful because they say the right things, but because the character of their business is firmly in lockstep with their beliefs.
By the way, the FAA is now investigating why the two aforementioned cities refuse to allow Chick-fil-A in their airports.
Don’t visit them on Sunday, they will be closed.
Blessings, until next time,
Bruce L. Hartman
Dr. Bruce L. Hartman is the author of Jesus & Co. and Your Faith Has Made You Well.
Photo by Jonathan Francisca on Unsplash
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