Hundreds of locals participate in Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day

It’s chicken sandwiches with a side of politics when Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy recently made public comments in support of the “biblical definition of the family unit.”

While his views do not necessarily reflect those of individual Chick-Fil-A franchise owners, Cathy’s statements caused an outcry among some same-sex marriage supporters and politicians.

Politicians in Chicago have called for a boycott of the restaurants and have even made efforts to block the chain from opening new locations. Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee declared Aug. 1 as national “Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day” to support Cathy and the restaurant.

Huckabee posted the event on Facebook, which gained more than 630,000 supporters online, so you may have noticed it was a little crowded outside the Chick-Fil-A in Ammon Wednesday.

That’s a result of this culture clash.

Supporters around the country turned out for the “Appreciation Day,” even in eastern Idaho.

“I don’t think anyone should try to shut somebody down just because they have a different idea about things,” said Claris Jones, a Chick-Fil-A supporter.

“I don’t care who you marry or who you sleep with. It’s none of my business,” said Darrel Kibbee, a Chick-Fil-A supporter. “But when you question my religious rights, my religious beliefs, over a restaurant chain? That’s stepping over the boundary.”

“I’m here supporting the cause. I don’t think they’re here to cause anybody any issues–be it gay, white, black,” said Vaeann Byington, a Chick-Fil-A supporter.

For Star Valley Ranch resident Levin Tull driving 90 miles to the Ammon Chick-Fil-A was worth it. He said he would eat the restaurant’s famous chicken sandwiches for lunch and dinner.

“Tolerance is a two-way street. If you want to believe in the freedom of speech, then believe in the freedom of speech,” said Tull. “And, if you want to boycott Chick-Fil-A then I’ll buy two sandwiches.”

Ammon Chick-Fil-A owner Lauren Mosteller said Wednesday on the job was just like any other day since the restaurant first opened back in December.

“The community has been very welcoming so we just want to continue to serve them,” said Mosteller. “We want to treat everyone that walks through the door with dignity, honor and respect.”

This Friday, same-sex couples plan to visit Chick-Fil-A locations across the country for “National Same-Sex Kiss Day.”