FOLKS VOTING WITH CHICKEN SANDWICHES

A 25-mile pilgrimage to a Chick-fil-a on “appreciation day” of the chief executive of the fast-food chain brought a surprise.

Not the crowd, but the obviously organized preparation for a successful endorsement of traditional marriage espoused by Dan Cathy, the president.

More than a dozen uniformed counter attendants called for lined-up customers to step forward as their stations opened up. At least three managerial employees were directing the crowded lines and helping the customers. Other employees were outside writing drive-through orders as cars in two lines made their way through parked cars in the U-shaped lot. Besides, there was the busy kitchen crew. Cheer was evident everywhere.

This writer and his wife got through the line and obtained their order well within ten minutes. The efficiency of the staff was evident; the time spent was barely more than that usually taken when patronizing a McDonalds at non-rush hours.

A Chick-fil-a manager-type appeared at the table offering to refill drink cups. Michael (his badge read) smiled when asked whether extra help was hired for the day. Similarly, he ducked an inquiry about extra food obtained in anticipation of a larger than normal crowd, and would have been done with that food had business not boomed on Aug. 1. He did allow that the place had been packed all day and described earlier lines of would-be diners and how far they extended.

Told that his current conversationalists were there in support of Cathy, whose words backing one-man/one-woman marriage brought threats to ban new Chick-fil-a stores from several mayors around the country.  Michael said the response at his location was wonderful and joyful. And, he added, it reflected American history.

News reports showed that the crowding seen at the northern Prince William County, Virginia, store was observed elsewhere in the United States. Supporters of same-sex marriage are reported to be planning “kiss-ins” for Chick-fil-a outlets later. Crowd comparisons should prove interesting.