Did McDonald’s just shade Chick-Fil-A?
A new Chick-Fil-A restaurant is opening in Glastonbury, Connecticut, right next to a McDonalds, and over the weekend, locals noticed a message on the McDonalds sign which read, “We Welcome Everyone.”
In the past, Chick-Fil-A has caught some serious criticism for the owner’s opposition to LGBTQ rights like same-sex marriage.
Founded in 1946 by religiously conservative S. Truett Cathy, and now run by his family, the chain’s policies have often been guided by those beliefs including allowing none of the restaurants to be open on Sundays in order to give employees ‘a day of rest.’
The general manager of the McDonalds told the local NBC affiliate that the sign’s message wasn’t political in nature.
"It just means that everyone is welcome, young old, everyone,” she said.
Most folks liked the message.
Tina Manus of Stratford drove almost an hour to show her support.
“For McDonald’s to step up and say we welcome everyone,” she told NBC. “I feel that is a huge step for them. Then in the background you have Chick-fil-A who has historically not welcomed everyone.”
Zack Caporale of Glastonbury wasn’t feeling it though.
“I feel like it’s kind of rude to Chick-fil-A because they have Christian beliefs," said Caporale. "But that doesn’t mean they have to not accept gay people."
Jordan Snook, the franchise owner of the new Chick-Fil-A wasn’t quite sure what to think about the McDonalds message but issued a statement which read:
“We are excited to open in Glastonbury next week, and look forward to being great neighbors who welcome everyone. Glastonbury will be representative of all Chick-fil-A restaurants in serving great food and providing remarkable service for all customers, as well as a diverse workplace of individuals who represent many viewpoints, opinions, backgrounds and beliefs.”
