Chick-fil-A controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile7 entries
2022
Miami Chick-fil-A outlet responds to backlash over man’s removal
Company response
After a viral video of security removing a man who appeared homeless from a Miami Chick-fil-A outlet prompted social media backlash, the outlet said he had been issued a trespass warrant because of previous disruptive behavior, and apologized for the misunderstanding.
Company response
Clarification — Miami Central Chick-fil-A outlet
The Miami Central Chick-fil-A outlet said the man was issued a trespass warrant for the location as he had previously "spit on guests and is verbally hostile".
Apology — Miami Central Chick-fil-A outlet
We apologise for any misunderstanding and acknowledge that this situation does seem inappropriate out of context, however, we hope this clears up any confusion about what is actually occurring in the clip,
Source excerpt
A viral video showed a man who appeared to be homeless being removed from a Chick Fil A outlet in Miami by security, sparking backlash on social media.
The outlet clarified that he was issued a trespass warrant for previous disruptive behavior, not for being homeless.
Social media users were left concerned after watching the video, and called the incident "heartbreaking" and "wrong".
2020
Chick-fil-A apologizes over its charitable-giving changes
Company response
Chick-fil-A apologized to the American Family Association after reports that the chain was set to end donations to organizations that discriminate against LGBT+ people. In a letter, company president Dan Cathy said the giving changes were intended to focus on hunger, homelessness, and education, and acknowledged that some had understood them as abandoning longstanding support of faith-based organizations.
Stated objective. To better focus giving on hunger, homelessness and education.
Company response
Apology — Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has apologised to homophobes for “inadvertently” giving the impression that it disapproves of charities that discriminate against gay people.
Source excerpt
In a letter to anti-LGBT+ lobbying group American Family Association, Chick-fil-A boss Dan Cathy attempted to reassure evangelicals after reports that the fast food chicken chain was set to end its long record of donations to groups that discriminate against LGBT+ people.
Chick-fil-A has apologised to homophobes for “inadvertently” giving the impression that it disapproves of charities that discriminate against gay people.
These changes were made to better focus on hunger, homelessness and education.
2020
Businesses sue over Chick-fil-A drive-thru traffic
Lawsuit filed
In a controversy involving Chick-fil-A, other businesses in a Toledo shopping center filed a lawsuit against the chain over drive-thru lines that reportedly obstructed parking and access to stores. The suit sought to have the parking-lot and traffic problem fixed rather than to obtain money. The dispute centered on the impact of the restaurant's drive-thru queue on neighboring businesses and shared access within the shopping center.
Other businesses in the Toledo shopping center filed a lawsuit against Chick-fil-A over drive-thru lines that reportedly obstructed parking and access to stores. The suit sought to have the parking-lot and traffic problem fixed, not to obtain money.
Stated objective. Get the parking-lot and traffic problem fixed before anyone gets hurt.
Source excerpt
The lawsuit apparently isn't seeking money though, it has been filed in hopes to get the parking-lot and traffic problem fixed before anyone gets hurt.
the other businesses in the same shopping center have filed a lawsuit against their new neighbor.
According to Food & Wine Magazine, the lawsuit was brought upon by two New York City area plaintiffs.
2020
Chick-fil-A sues poultry suppliers over alleged price-fixing
Lawsuit filed
Chick-fil-A filed a lawsuit in federal court against poultry suppliers, alleging that they coordinated meat-supply pricing and reduced production in order to raise prices. The allegations are claims made in the lawsuit and do not constitute a determination of wrongdoing.
Chick-fil-A sued poultry suppliers in federal court, alleging they coordinated meat-supply pricing and reduced production to raise prices. The allegations are claims in the lawsuit, not a determination of wrongdoing.
Source excerpt
The chicken-sandwich giant alleged in a lawsuit filed Friday in a federal court in Illinois that top chicken suppliers, including Tyson Foods Inc., Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., Sanderson Farms Inc. and Perdue Farms Inc., coordinated pricing for meat supplies and collectively reduced production to push up prices.
The fast-food chain Chick-fil-A is suing a string of high-profile chicken suppliers, accusing them of illegally coordinating with one another to keep prices artificially high on billions of dollars of poultry.
The suit accuses chicken producers of using a spreadsheet called AgriStats to engage in bid-rigging in an “unlawful conspiracy” to ensure that chicken prices were artificially raised.
2020
Chick-fil-A files price-fixing lawsuit against chicken suppliers
Lawsuit filed
Chick-fil-A filed litigation accusing 17 defendants of price-fixing in the poultry industry. The defendants contested the claims and said they planned to fight in court.
Source excerpt
Chick-fil-A on Friday filed new litigation accusing 17 defendants of price-fixing.
Lawsuit claims the poultry industry colludes to keep price of chicken high.
Chicken producers contest the claims and plan to fight in court
2019
Charitable giving and LGBTQ+ criticism
The company faced continued scrutiny over donations and relationships involving organizations viewed by critics as opposed to LGBTQ+ rights. Chick-fil-A later described changes to its charitable priorities and emphasized support for education, hunger relief, and local communities.
2012
Same-sex marriage comments and public backlash
Dan Cathy publicly expressed opposition to same-sex marriage, prompting criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, calls for boycotts, and counter-support from some conservative groups. The controversy expanded after media coverage of charitable donations associated with Chick-fil-A-linked organizations.