Chick-fil-A, the fast food chain whose chicken sandwiches became synonymous with the same-sex marriage debate last year, is reportedly scouting locations on Long Island.
The Atlanta-based company had more than 1,600 restaurants in 39 states and Washington, D.C. as of last year, but their only eatery currently closest to LI is at NYU in Manhattan.
“We’re looking at a lot of locations for them,” John Culmone, executive director of Commercial Retail Associates, told The Wall Street Journal of his firm leading the search for spots in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, stirred controversy last year when he came out against same sex marriage, sparking boycotts from gay and lesbian rights groups and a “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” organized by supporters.
“Our intent is to not support political or social agendas,” the company said in a statement amid lingering questions about donations to anti-gay groups. “The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect.”
The news that Chick-fil-A and its cow mascots urging patrons to “Eat Mor Chikin” may be coming to town did not sit well with some local LGBT advocates.
“I think on Long Island we have a separation of religion and taste,” Long Island GLBT Service Network CEO David Kilmnick told Newsday.
