Business & Tech

Despite 'Kiss In,' It's Business as Usual at Ballston Chick-fil-A

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation organization staged 'kiss in' demonstrations at Chick-fil-A locations across the country on Friday.

Though gay rights supporters staged "kiss in" demonstrations at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country Friday, no evidence of the protest was found at the fast food chain restaurant inside Ballston Common Mall.

In fact, it seemed like business as usual. Businessmen in suits chomped on chicken sandwiches. Children picked at chicken nuggets. Shoppers stopped for a quick snack. One Chick-fil-A employee passed out a tray of free samples.

"I just don't mix my politics and my fast food," said Arlington resident Neal Collins, who ordered the restaurant's signature chicken sandwich. "It's a hot item right now and in a few weeks, something else will take its place."

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Collins said even though he doesn't necessarily agree with statements Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy made that were critical of gay marriage, that won't stop him from patronizing the business.

"It's not shocking that he feels that way," Collins said. "People ultimately have the right to express themselves."

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While gay rights supporters have railed against Cathy's statements, conservative supporters have turned out to support Chick-fil-A in droves. The company's executive vice president of marketing said Wednesday was "record-setting" for sales.

"While we don't release exact sales numbers, we can confirm reports that it was a record-setting day," Steve Robinson said in a statement.

Arlington resident Alex Lee, who described himself as an evangelical Christian, said he went out of his way on Friday to eat at the fast food restaurant.

Lee said everyone already knows Chick-fil-A is a company founded on conservative values, so he doesn't understand why the public is shocked over Cathy's statements.

"It's kind of ridiculous," Lee said.


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