NY Thruway's plan to bring Chick-fil-A at rest stops faces resistance

The New York State Thruway’s plan to bring the popular fast food chain Chick-fil-A to some of its rest stops is facing some resistance.

News 12 Staff

Jul 14, 2021, 11:07 AM

Updated 1,185 days ago

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The New York State Thruway’s plan to bring the popular fast food chain Chick-fil-A to some of its rest stops is facing some resistance.
The plan is part of a $300 million renovation of all 27 rest stops along the New York State Thruway.
There are several Democratic state lawmakers who want Chick-fil-A taken off the renovation menu.
The lawmakers say the reason is that about 10 years ago, the chain's CEO Dan Cathy said he didn't believe in same sex marriage and he donates money to some conservative Christian groups.
In a statement, company officials said in part, "Chick-fil-A does not have a political or social agenda and we give back by contributing $25,000 to food banks in each community where a new restaurant is opened.”
News 12's Lisa LaRocca's Facebook Live from the New York State Thruway rest stop in Ardsley.
Nevertheless, four state Democratic lawmakers wrote a letter to the Thruway Authority saying that Chick-fil-A at rest stops sends a hurtful message. So to counter that, 13 Republicans wrote a letter saying people should still have the right to chose.
"That's ridiculous! It's great food, great service, and a great opportunity for people to have employment — of course, we want Chick-fil-A," says Republican New Windsor Assemblymember Colin Schmitt.
Some LGBTQ groups say they will not support the restaurant chain that they say is detrimental to their community.
"There were some folks who were saying, 'you know, let's not politicize it, it's a restaurant, another fast food option.' To me, that's absolutely not the case. When somebody is giving money to organizations that are fighting to make sure that the LGBTQ+ organization does not have equal rights, I'm not giving them my money," says Judy Toilo, of the Loft LGBTQ+ Center.
Construction on the renovations is scheduled to begin later this month. There is no word yet from Thruway Authority officials on the Chick-fil-A debate.