Skip to content 
[ad_1]
Topline
New York politicians are considering a bill that would require some future restaurants in highway rest stops to stay open seven days per week—including Chick-fil-A, which is famously closed on Sundays—attracting harsh criticism from conservatives and a declaration of “war” from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
New Chick-Fil-A restaurants opening at New York state-owned rest stops and facilities may be … [+]
Key Facts
New York State Assembly Bill A08336, which was introduced on December 13, would require all restaurants that operate in service areas on New York state highways to remain open seven days a week.
The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Tony Simone, a Democrat who represents portions of the west side of Manhattan—the bill has four co-sponsors and will be discussed when the 2024 legislative session begins on January 3.
The law states restaurants at the service areas should “maximally benefit the public,” and allowing them to go unused for one day out of the week is a “disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on those service areas,” naming Chick-fil-A as the type of restaurant “inappropriate” to serve travelers.
The bill—which includes exceptions for temporary farmer’s markets—doesn’t impact restaurants that are not located in a New York rest stop or Port Authority facility.
The new rules will apply to “all future contracts,” meaning for now, it will likely not apply to the seven Chick-fil-A franchises currently operating at New York rest stops, whose owner Applegreen secured a 33-year contract in 2021, NBC New York reported.
However, Graham took umbrage with the proposed legislation, threatening in a post on X to withhold federal funds from “any city or state that requires @ChickfilA to stay open on Sunday.”
Chick-fil-A has not returned a request for comment from Forbes.
Crucial Quote
“While there is nothing objectionable about a fast food restaurant closing on a particular day of the week, service areas dedi-cated to travelers is an inappropriate location for such a restaurant,” the bill’s summary said.
Chief Critic
“This is war,” Graham posted on X. The senator later posted a photo of himself outside a Chick-Fil-A in Manhattan, with the caption: “Hands off OUR Chick-Fil-A.”
Key Background
Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, a conservative Christian, instituted the Sunday closure rule at his restaurants in 1946. According to the company, the policy remains to this day in order to allow employees to “set aside one day to rest, enjoy time with their families and loved ones or and worship if they choose.” Over the years, Chick-fil-A’s connections to Christian values and causes has drawn criticism from liberals and praise from conservatives. The restaurant chain has faced boycotts and protests over its owners’ ties to anti-LGBTQ organizations, but the company promised to end donations to these organizations in 2019.
Forbes Valuation
We estimate current Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy’s net worth to be $11.3 billion. Cathy is the son of founder Truett Cathy, who died in 2014. His wealth primarily comes from his ownership of the fried chicken franchise, where he served as CEO from 2013 until 2021, when he was succeeded by his son Andrew Cathy.
Further Reading
[ad_2]
Source link
