Chick-fil-A was founded in 1946 by Samuel Truett Cathy in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2012, Dan Cathy, the CEO of Chick-fil-A, stated in an interview that he did not support same-sex marriage. This sparked protests and boycotts of Chick-fil-A restaurants. To resolve the controversy, Chick-fil-A stated that it would leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to government and focus on serving customers. The company also developed a new message to promote an inclusive approach to hiring and serving all customers.

1. Classic Team
Research Questions & Answers
Basic
 How did Chick-fil-A begin?
- In 1946, Samuel Truett Cathy founded the “Dwarf Grill” in Atlanta, Georgia. Truett
then invented the first original chicken sandwich in 1963. The Atlanta Greenbriar mall
then opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant with the signature Chick-fil-A chicken
sandwich.
 What started the same-sex controversy with Chick-fil-A?
- In a radio interview in 2012, Dan Cathy stated “we are inviting God’s judgment on
our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to
what constitutes a marriage.” After stating that on a radio interview, Cathy repeated
his thoughts against same-sex partners. “Guilty as charged,” he told the Baptist
Press. “We are very supportive of the family—the biblical definition of the family
unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to
our first wives. We give God thanks for that.” Cathy also supported anti-gay
organizations.
 What kind of conflicts started after Dan Cathy made his statement on his beliefs of
gay-marriage?
- The statement made by Dan Cathy started protests and counter-protests at
Chick-fil-A restaurants. Dan Cathy clearly stated his beliefs which triggered conflict
with the Chick-fil-A customers. The dispute between the rights of same-sex unions
was now interfering with Chick-fil-A’s customer satisfaction. Along with franchise
boycotts, there were also threats by the Chicago City Council to deny building
permits for Chick-fil-A stores.
 What did Chick-fil-A do to change its negative view?
- In July 2012, Chick-fil-A finally put this issue to rest. Chick-fil-A stated, "Going
forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the
government and political arena." The main mission Chick-fil-A will be focusing is to
serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who
come in contact with Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A decided to resolve this opposition and
to tamp down on the controversy nationally. The company also delivered a new
message to spread the views of Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A’s first public message on its
hiring and serving policies to all employees and restaurant operators is called “Chick-

2. fil-A: Who We Are”. The purpose of the new message is to obtain a new positive
image for the Chick-fil-A chain.
Customer View
 Why should we continue to purchase food at your restaurant?
-The controversy on gay-marriage should have never been publicly announced.
This debate shall be left to the political and social debates and has nothing to do
with our customer service and values as a restaurant. We strive for customer
satisfaction and do not want to cause any more harm that is already done.
 Are you going to stop funding anti-gay charities?
-We are not going to completely stop funding all of our charities, but we are going
to start funding towards more acceptable charities.
 Do you still have the Scholarship Program for your employees?
-Yes we do. Education is very to us as a company. We believe all of our
employees should have the opportunity to get an education.
 After the statement made by Dan Cathy, did business start to decline?
-Yes. Chick-fil-S is on the verge on not being able to build more stores and some
stores were boycotted.
 Were employees affected by this controversy?
-Yes, some employees had to quit his/her job due to the anger of the
customers. In one store an employee got food thrown in her face.
 Is Chick-fil-A going to stay out the debate?
-Yes, the main focus for Chick-fil-A is to satisfy the customers.
 Does Chick-fil-A recycle?
-Yes, Chick-fil-A also has environment-friendly products that reduce waste
and are more efficient to the environment.
 Is there ever a day that you give our free chicken?
- Yes, once a year in July, Chick-fil-A gives out a free chicken meal to anyone
who dresses like a cow.
 Is Chick-fil-A healthier than other fast-food restaurants?
- Chick-fil-A’s food is cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. It has a variety of
options that may fit what a customer is looking for. We have low carb, low fat,
and even gluten free products.