New York politicians are set to consider a bill that would require some future restaurants at highway rest stops to remain open seven days a week – including Chick-Fil-A, which closes its doors on Sundays – sparking fierce backlash from conservative parties and a declaration of “war” from Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican from South Carolina).
Key Facts
The proposed New York State Assembly Bill No. A08336, which was introduced on December 13, could require all restaurants operating in service areas on New York’s highways to remain open seven days a week.
The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Tony Simone, a Democrat representing parts of the West Side of Manhattan – it has four other sponsors and will be discussed at the start of the 2024 legislative session on January 3.
The law stipulates that restaurants in service areas must be “of maximum utility to the public,” and allows that closing one day a week is considered “inconvenient and an unnecessary nuisance to travelers who rely on those areas,” specifically naming Chick-Fil-A as a type of restaurant that is “inappropriate” for servicing travelers.
Main Transportation
The bill – which includes exemptions for temporary farmers’ markets – does not affect restaurants that are not located at a New York rest stop or a Port Authority facility.
The new rules would apply to “all future contracts,” meaning that for now, it is unlikely they would affect the seven Chick-Fil-A branches currently operating at rest stops in New York, which the parent company Applegreen obtained a 33-year contract for in 2021, according to NBC New York.
However, Graham has criticized the proposed bill and threatened in a post on X to block federal funds from “any city or state that requires @ChickfilA to stay open on Sunday.”
Chick-Fil-A has not responded to a request for comment from Forbes.
Critical Quote
“While there is nothing wrong with closing a fast-food restaurant on a certain day of the week, service areas designated for travelers are not an appropriate location for such a restaurant,” according to the summary of the bill.
Main Critic
“This is war,” Graham wrote on X. Later, the senator posted a picture of himself outside a Chick-Fil-A in Manhattan, captioning it: “Don’t touch our Chick-Fil-A.”
Key Background
In 1946, Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy, a conservative Christian, enacted a Sunday closing policy for his restaurants. According to the company, the policy remains in place today to allow employees to “set aside one day for rest and enjoyment with their families and loved ones or worship if they choose.” Over the years, Chick-Fil-A’s relationship with Christian values and issues has attracted criticism from liberals and praise from conservatives. The fast-food chain has faced boycotts and protests due to its owners’ ties to anti-LGBT organizations, but the company pledged to stop donating to these organizations in 2019.
Forbes Estimates
Forbes estimates the net worth of current Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy to be around $11.3 billion. Cathy is the son of founder Truett Cathy, who passed away in 2014. His fortune comes primarily from his ownership of the fried chicken chain, where he served as CEO from 2013 until 2021, when he was succeeded by his son Andrew Cathy.
Looking Ahead
More from Forbes: Is the new “anti-woke” campaign targeting DEI and Chick-Fil-A? by Connor Murray
More
From Forbes: Is Chick-Fil-A launching a streaming app? Job posting reveals original TV plans. By James Farrell
More from Forbes: Forbes added a third heir to Chick-fil-A to the billionaires list. By Chase Peterson-Withorn
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