Joel Libava
Things just got a little weirder in our nation’s fast food franchise wars, as the president of Chick-fil-A publicly voiced opposition to gay marriage this week. And, I do mean publicly….
In a recent interview with Baptist Press, Dan Cathy said that the company was, “guilty as charged in supporting the biblical definition of the family unit.” Cathy went on to say that, “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives.”
Of course, Cathy is backtracking a bit now, according to this story in the LA Times.
Who’s Next?
What other franchise CEO’s are going to jump into this fray? (My prediction; none.)
Mixing religion and franchising has always scared the bejesus out of me, and the Chick-fil-A fiasco is a perfect example why.
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I remember a fellow franchise professional telling me that he attended a certain franchise company’s convention a few years back that included a “prayer breakfast.” I’m thrilled that I wasn’t in attendance, because I would have, A. Walked out or B. Stood up and said something that I may have regretted. I don’t do “prayer breakfasts.”
Chik fil A Franchise Chief May Be Clucking Up The Wrong Tree. Again.
Chick-fil-A’s president sure has a lot of courage. But, he’s a wealthy guy, and lots of wealthy guys use their money as a shield….they figure that they can’t really be hurt by stuff like this-because they’re loaded. I predict that Chick-fil-A’s revenues are going to suffer because of what he said. (Update. I was wrong.)
It’s Not About Gay Marriage
For me, it’s about one more person trying to shove their “Christian Values” down my throat.
I’ve had it. I’m sick of business owners and politicians throwing their religious beliefs into the mix. It’s totally unnecessary, and it kind of creeps me out. There is no reason for it. Your religious beliefs…yes, Mr. Cathy, I’m talking to you, are your business. I don’t want to know anything about what you do on Sundays. As long as it doesn’t affect or endanger me or my friends and family…do what you feel you must.
I find lots of examples of people doing this on Twitter. Some of them even add their religious beliefs on their Twitter handles. (In which case, I immediately unfollow them.) It’s a major turnoff for me.
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And, by the way, My feelings on gay marriage have nothing to do with my reason for writing this post. (Please don’t try to guess what they are, because you have a 50% chance of being wrong.)
No More Chick-fil-A For Me
I probably dine at a Chick-fil-A 3-4 times a year. Not anymore, though. My daughter, (The Franchise Princess) loves the place. Now that’s she’s driving, she’s more than welcome to spend her own money there.
I did offer to take her there for lunch this Sunday, though.
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Does this kind of stuff bother you?
Will you still spend money at Chick-fil-A?
About the Author
Joel Libava is The Franchise King® — an independent franchise advisor with 25+ years in the industry, two published books on franchising, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, Entrepreneur® Magazine and others. In addition, he wrote exclusively for the U.S. Small Business Administration blog for eight years. He doesn't sell franchises. Instead, Joel helps you figure out if franchise ownership is actually right for you — and if it is, teaches you his powerful, proven-to-work franchise research techniques, so you can make a smart, informed decision on a franchise to own and be your own boss.
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