The doors to Chick-Fil-A in Glastonbury are finally open following a controversial sign that was placed on the marquis at neighboring McDonald’s.
It was just one week ago the chicken chain restaurant and the home of the Happy Meal were in a scuffle that has nothing to do with the food. A sign under the famous golden arches still reads, “We welcome everyone.” It’s been a message some people see as a dig to Chick-Fil-A, who’s been criticized for corporate donations to anti-gay rights initiatives.
Chick-Fil-A owner Jordan Snook said the message isn’t impacting business in the slightest.
“They can do what they want with their marquis,” Snook said. “it’s not bothering us. We’re just excited to be open here and serve the community.”
In a statement, McDonald’s owner Scott Taylor is clarifying the controversy, saying, “McDonald’s is one of the most diverse companies in America reflecting the communities that we serve. As a company, we have a long history of embracing diversity and providing opportunities for everyone. And, during this particular time in history, we wanted to remind folks that they have been and always will be welcome, whether that be as a customer, community partner or potential new employee.”
Steve Happeny, a McDonald’s patron, said he’ll never step foot in Chick-Fil-A should the company show discrimination and wonders if Chick-Fil-A would ever hang a similar sign.
“We would mirror the same thing,” Snook said. “I don’t have a marquis like they do, but we certainly welcome everybody too, and we’re excited to serve everybody in the community.”
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Chick-Fil-A patrons, like Seil Hansen, of Glastonbury, don’t seem to have ruffled feathers, either. “It’s a marketing item and I don’t blame them for doing that.” Hansen said.
McDonald’s owner said the sign was never meant to be a political statement; rather, it simply means what it reads.
Unbothered, Ryan Warner, of Wethersfield, eats his chicken breakfast, saying, “They can do what they want at McDonald’s. Chick-Fil-A is better.”
