Marriage debate spices up Chick-fil-A

Patrons of the Chick-fil-A location on State Road 70 came out in droves today to support the restaurant chain and its leaders' stance on marriage.

The national restaurant chain's CEO Dan Cathy sparked national debate after publicly affirming the company's "Biblical" view on marriage to a religious publication. Former presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee dubbed today "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" to promote businesses that operate on Christian principles.

"We support what Chick-fil-A believes," patron Ramon Abalos said before exiting the S.R. 70 Chick-fil-A location. "We believe marriage is for a man and a woman."

Many patrons waited more than 40 minutes for their order to be taken and food delivered; vehicle traffic was also backed up on 52nd Place E., Bradenton, from Chick-fil-A's entrance to the Starbucks.

Same-sex marriage activists have called for a boycott of the company, and in many communities have staged a "National Same-Sex Kiss Day."

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].