Thousand turn-out in Tulsa for Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day. Lines were long outside of restaurants at Tulsa Hills Shopping Center and near 71st and Garnett. Similar crowds were reported in Owasso. The patrons were there to show their support for the Chick-Fil-A president. He has come under fire for recent statements in support of the traditional family and for financial support of organization opposed to gay rights.
The drive-in line was wrapped around the side of the building, into the Texas Roadhouse parking lot, at one point, on East 71st Street. One woman said she had been waiting in line for 45-minutes and had about another 30-minute wait. She said she wanted to show her support for a business that was not afraid to take a stand on issues. She said the Chick-Fil-A president’s views were in line with her own Christian beliefs.
Not everyone was in support. A group of three protesters stood under a shade tree near the Texas Roadhouse parking lot. They quietly held signs condemning Chick-Fil-A, but remained respectful.
Oklahomans for Equality will not take part in a planned counter protest of the restaurant chain. Director Toby Jenkins said he was deeply saddened by the Chick-Fil-A stance. He is urging members to take their business elsewhere.
The appreciation day idea came in a Facebook posting by conservative talk show host Mike Huckabee.