A Chick-fil-A logo is seen on a take out bag at one of its restaurants on July 28, 2012 in Bethesda, Maryland. Chick-fil-A, with more than 1,600 outlets mainly in the southern United States, has become the target of gay rights activists and their allies after president Dan Cathy came out against same-sex marriage last week. (MANDEL NGAN - AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
UPDATED: 11:19 a.m. Thursday : The Atlanta-based chain hasn’t released sales figures from the supporter-driven appreciation day Wednesday another statement released Thursday morning marketing executive vice president Steve Robinson confirmed record sales had been achieved.
We are very grateful and humbled by the incredible turnout of loyal Chick-fil-A customers on August 1 around the country. .. While we don’t release exact sales numbers, it was an unprecedented day.
Overnight and early Thursday, there were many reports about brisk business and long lines inside and outside restaurants as well as possibly breaking records in sales including megachurch pastor Rick Warren’s tweet sent Wednesday night:
@DanCathy just called me. #ChickFilA has already set a world record today, with 7 more hrs to go in the West. #OutOfChicken
In July, Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy told the Baptist Press his company backed “the biblical definition of the family unit.” His comment sparked criticism among individuals and groups who support gay marriage and prompted some mayors to announce plans to block the Atlanta-based company’s expansion plans in their cities.
Cathy’s comments about the definition of marriage have prompted some consumers to embrace the company (known for its chicken sandwiches and for putting faith before the bottomline by closing on Sundays) more boldy, while others, such as D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray to label the company discriminatory or even “hate chicken.”
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee declared today “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” a call to action for fans of the chicken chain and supporters of Cathy’s stance.
The furorhas prompted debate about individual religious and free speech rights, the role of commerce on social issues and whether stances taken by governmental leaders could translate into suppressing the activities of others whose positions they find objectionable.
View Photo Gallery: