US fast-food franchise Chick-fil-A has paid the ultimate price for its owner’s political stance, revealing its inaugural UK outlet will shut up shop.
On October 10, Chick-fil-A, a chain famous for closing on Sundays so that workers can observe prayer opened its first UK site at the Oracle shopping centre in Reading. While some fast-food fans were eager to try the new fare, many local Reading residents took opposition to CEO Dan Cathy’s comments on gay marriage.
Back in 2012, Cathy revealed in an interview with Biblical Reporter that he and the business supported a ‘traditional’ view of marriage.
“We are very much 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,” he told the publication.
“We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.”
Unfortunately, not everyone shared in Cathy’s bible-first focus. Activists called for boycotts, and a further investigation revealed that Chick-fil-A’s much-applauded charitable endeavours had donated millions to anti-LGBT organisations.
While the scandal had little impact on the chain’s 2400 US outlets, even reporting a 12 per cent rise in sales immediately following the controversy, the Reading experiment has shown tensions are still high.
Chick-fil-A Reading closure
Just eight days into a six-month trial at the Oracle shopping centre in Reading, Chick-fil-A announced it would be closing at the end of its contract period.
The closure announcement came after days of protests from Reading locals, including members of Reading Pride, an LGBTQ advocacy organisation that brandished signs emblazoned with the phrase ‘Cluck Off’.
“The chain’s ethos and moral stance goes completely against our values, and that of the UK as we are a progressive country that has legalised same sex marriage for some years, and continues to strive towards equality,” the organisation said in a statement.
According to the group, the Oracle has since opted not to renew Chick-fil-A’s contract, but confirmed the chain will serve out its six-month trial in order to assist impacted staff find new work.
“In conversation with the Oracle, we have been told that Chick-Fil-A will not trade beyond its current six-month pilot period,” Reading Pride said.
“The Oracle Management have also stated they will review their selection process and ensure a more thorough check is in place. Reading Pride has offered to be a consultant on any potential issues that may be uncovered around LGBT+ matters.”
Chick-fil-A isn’t the only organisation to come under fire for its executive’s political or moral stance. Daryl Morey, general manager of NBA team the Houston Rockets caused a wealth of controversy and instability after tweeting his support for the Hong Kong protestors.
The resulting commentary from analysts, politicians, and sport-stars has sparked mixed results, dragging the NBA into a highly political debate. The result is likely to greatly impact merchandise sales, particularly as the Houston Rockets are the most popular team in China, thanks to the prevalence of Yao Ming.
Irrespective of political or personal stance, the Chik-fil-A and NBA controversies are a stark reminder that the attitudes and opinions of influential individuals can greatly damage a business’ reputation.