The grand opening of Chick-fil-A’s first international location in Toronto was met by a grand protest Friday by LGBTQ activists, who argued that the chicken-centric chain owner’s historically antigay policies will clash with the culture of Canada's largest city.
Protestors caused a commotion as soon as the restaurant opened its doors at 10:30 a.m., chanting “shame” and “cluck you,” CBC News reports.
"Hey hey, ho ho, Homophobia's got to go,” activists can be heard shouting in video shared to Twitter by BlogTo.
On Sept. 6, protestors caused a commotion as soon as the restaurant opened its doors at 10:30 a.m., chanting shouts of “shame” and “cluck you." (Courtesy of The 519)
Celebrity drag queen RuPaul's likeness was used by protestors picketing for the cause.
Did you see you see Queen @RuPaul on the bun at our protest outside Chick-fil-A today? It was a queer miracle! #CluckOff #NotInOurCity #ArmyofLovers
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The grand opening of Chick-fil-A’s first international location in Toronto, Canada was met with a grand protest on Friday by LGBTQ supporters. (Courtesy of The 519)
"We won't allow hateful rhetoric to be here," Justin Khan of local LGBTQ organization The 519 told CBC. "The fact that Chick-fil-A is opening on the streets of Toronto is something that is quite alarming."
Founded in 1967, the biblical values of Chick-fil-A’s management strategy have long stirred controversy. Company chairman and CEO Dan Cathy has voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage, but Chick-fil-A says it doesn't have a political or social agenda. The company says that in 2017, it donated $1.6 million to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a group that is overtly against gay marriage, for sports camps for inner-city youth. It also donated $150,000 to the Salvation Army, which has also been accused of discrimination.
Protesters are staging a die-in at the entrance of #Toronto's first Chick-fil-A location -@RonaldJayQ
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That same year, the chain asked its franchisees to not make public statements on political issues.
Though most activists took issue with the chain’s reported anti-LGBTQ-stance at the Friday event, others called out the chain’s alleged treatment of animals. Some staged a “die-in” to honor chickens slaughtered by the business, as per BlogTo.
Despite the commotion, franchise owner Wilson Yang remains hopeful about Chick-fil-A’s future in the city. (Courtesy of The 519)
Despite the commotion, franchise owner Wilson Yang remains hopeful about Chick-fil-A’s future in the city.
"We respect people's right to share their opinions and want all Torontonians to know they are welcome at Chick-fil-A Yonge & Bloor,” he said in a statement shared with CBC. “Our focus is on offering a welcoming and respectful environment for our guests and team members, and we encourage people to give us a try."
"We won't allow hateful rhetoric to be here," Justin Khan, an employee of local LGBTQ organization The 519 told CBC of the uproar. "The fact that Chick-fil-A is opening on the streets of Toronto is something that is quite alarming." (Courtesy of The 519)
Fans of the fried chicken chain, meanwhile, were said to have lined up as early as 6:30 a.m. to await the grand opening, CTV News Toronto reports.
“We’re excited to see many guests already in line this morning in anticipation of opening our doors,” a restaurant spokesperson said.
Reps for Chick-fil-A were not immediately available to offer further comment on news of the protests.
Last year, news of the chain’s northern expansion to Toronto caused controversy on Twitter, with social media users promising that they would protest and boycott any Canadian branches of the chain.
The Atlanta-based eatery plans to open 15 more restaurants over the next five years in the greater Toronto area – though it remains unclear just how warmly the restaurant will be welcomed, as Toronto has previously been named the third most LGBT-friendly city in the world.
The company previously opened a location at the Calgary International Airport that has since closed, but the company says the Toronto location is the first franchised restaurant in Canada. The company says the restaurant will be closed on Sundays, in line with its policy for U.S. restaurants.
According to a news release, the chain reported over $10 billion in revenue in 2018.
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