Danno went to Chick-Fil-A

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Col. Sanders loves the gheys

I saw Col. Sanders in Montreal back in the 70's. Trust me, he was gay, flaming gay, too gay even for the French Canadien's.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

From Forbes, 2007.

The Cult of Chick-fil-A

Emily Schmall 07.23.07

Chick-fil-A tries to recruit and retain loyalists like Yadkowski, who is so devoted to the company and its founder that he named his son Samuel (Cathy's first name). The privately held chain--with $2.3 billion in systemwide sales last year from 1,300 franchised stores in the U.S.--is best known for chicken-breast sandwiches that inspire fans to camp out so they are first in line when a new restaurant opens.

Cathy, 86, credits the company's success to 975 franchisees and 600 employees who are unusually dedicated in an industry known for grumpy operators and high turnover among hourly workers. The turnover among Chick-fil-A operators is a low 5% a year. Among hourly workers turnover is 60%, compared with 107% for the industry. "We tell applicants, 'If you don't intend to be here for life, you needn't apply,'" says Cathy, who opened his first restaurant in 1946.

That's not the only company mandate. Chick-fil-A's corporate mission, as stated on a plaque at company headquarters (and by Cathy), is to "glorify God." It is the only national fast-food chain that closes on Sunday so operators can go to church and spend time with their families; franchisees who don't go along with the rule risk having their contracts terminated. Company meetings and retreats include prayers, and the company encourages franchisees to market their restaurants through church groups. Howe Rice, a franchisee in Glen Allen, Va., hosts a Bible study group in one of his two Chick-fil-A restaurants every Tuesday. He offers a free breakfast to all who attend. "You don't have to be a Christian to work at Chick-fil-A, but we ask you to base your business on biblical principles because they work," says Cathy.

Chick-fil-A is run by Cathy and his sons Dan T., chief operating officer, and Donald (a.k.a. Bubba), a senior vice president. They screen prospective operators for their loyalty, wholesome values and willingness to buy into Chick-fil-A's in-your-face Christian credo, espoused often by Cathy, an evangelical Southern Baptist who says "the Lord has never spoken to me, but I feel Chick-fil-A has been His gift."

Loyalty to the company isn't the only thing that matters to Cathy, who wants married workers, believing they are more industrious and productive. One in three company operators have attended Christian-based relationship-building retreats through WinShape at Berry College in Mount Berry, Ga. The programs include classes on conflict resolution and communication. Family members of prospective operators--children, even--are frequently interviewed so Cathy and his family can learn more about job candidates and their relationships at home. "If a man can't manage his own life, he can't manage a business," says Cathy, who says he would probably fire an employee or terminate an operator who "has been sinful or done something harmful to their family members."

The parent company asks people who apply for an operator license to disclose marital status, number of dependents and involvement in "community, civic, social, church and/or professional organizations."

Is it legal? There are no federal laws that prohibit companies from asking nosy questions about religion and marital status during interviews. Most companies don't because it can open them up to discrimination claims, says James Ryan, a spokesman for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Chick-fil-A has more freedom to ask whatever it wants of franchisees because they are independent contractors and not necessarily subject to federal employment discrimination laws. (Employees, however, may sue under those laws.)

Chick-fil-A, the corporate parent, has been sued at least 12 times since 1988 on charges of employment discrimination, according to records in U.S. District Courts. Aziz Latif, a former Chick-fil-A restaurant manager in Houston, sued the company in 2002 after Latif, a Muslim, says he was fired a day after he didn't participate in a group prayer to Jesus Christ at a company training program in 2000. The suit was settled on undisclosed terms.

The company might face more suits if it didn't screen potential hires and operators so carefully. Many Chick-fil-A job candidates must endure a yearlong vetting process that includes dozens of interviews. Ty Yokum, the training manager for the chain, sat through 7 interviews and didn't get the job. He reapplied in 1991 and was subjected to another 17 interviews--the final one lasted five hours--and was hired. Bureon Ledbetter, Chick-fil-A's general counsel, says the company works hard to select people like Yokum, who "fit." "We want operators who support the values here," Ledbetter says.

Those who do say they like the member-of-the-club feel that goes along with working with Chick-fil-A. "It is very difficult to get in, but once you're in, you're in for life," says Donald Elam, a Chick-fil-A franchisee in Superstition Springs, Ariz.: "I tell all my people, 'I'm not working for Chick-fil-A; I'm working for the Lord.'"

http://www.forbes.co...7/0723/080.html

They have been sued 12 times in 24 years for discrimination. That's surely impressive. I bet other big chains have a way higher rate.

[웃 910]

They have been sued 12 times in 24 years for discrimination. That's surely impressive. I bet other big chains have a way higher rate.

Get out a calculator and check your math. The article was published in 2007. Why are you adding 5 years?

[Teddy B 17,252]

I wonder how many people, gay or not, are protesting Chik Fil A for it's views about homosexuality, but have no problem with McDonalds catering to blacks with their program called "365 Black"?

WHAT IS 365BLACK?

At McDonald's®, we believe that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during Black History Month. That's the idea behind 365Black.com. It's a place where you can learn more about education, employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship opportunities, and meet real people whose lives have been touched by McDonald's. Plus, you can also have a chance to win exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. So make sure you visit often — you just might get inspired.

365 Black

[^_^ 5,021]

I wonder how many people, gay or not, are protesting Chik Fil A for it's views about homosexuality, but have no problem with McDonalds catering to blacks with their program called "365 Black"?

It sounds pretty harmless to me.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I wonder how many people, gay or not, are protesting Chik Fil A for it's views about homosexuality, but have no problem with McDonalds catering to blacks with their program called "365 Black"?

Gay is not a race, it is a learned behavior that may or may not have certain genetic indicators that make individuals more likely to express this behavior. You can't unlearn the color of your skin.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I wonder how many people, gay or not, are protesting Chik Fil A for it's views about homosexuality, but have no problem with McDonalds catering to blacks with their program called "365 Black"?

What's the issue here?

[Teddy B 17,252]

It sounds pretty harmless to me.

It's harmless to me too.

My point is that there are probably a good amount of folks who are against Chik Fil A for expressing their views on homosexuality, but are in favor of McDonalds running a program that caters to one demographic of people. That would be hypocricy at it's best.

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

God I'm so sick of listening to the whole thing. Honestly....I like the place. I have many gay friends whom I love. Am I going to stop eating there?? Well, actually I have to as there aren't any over here...but if I were back home....then no I would still go when I had the chance. Where I chose to eat has nothing to do with how I feel about gays and lesbians. Mr Cathy has EVERY right to his beliefs and unless he is being prejudiced by not serving or hiring people due to their sexual preferences...I don't see the problem. Just because he owns a business does not mean he is not allowed to voice his opinion.

I hate feeling like if I went into Chick-fil-A people would think I don't support gays...because I do, but where I eat has nothing to do with that!

[Teddy B 17,252]

Gay is not a race, it is a learned behavior that may or may not have certain genetic indicators that make individuals more likely to express this behavior. You can't unlearn the color of your skin.

Name me a few gays that have "unlearned" themselves straight.

[^_^ 5,021]

My point is that there are probably a good amount of folks who are against Chik Fil A for expressing their views on homosexuality, but are in favor of McDonalds running a program that caters to one demographic of people. That would be hypocricy at it's best.

Does Leviticus have anti-black-people verses too?

I hate feeling like if I went into Chick-fil-A people would think I don't support gays...because I do, but where I eat has nothing to do with that!

Be friends with mature people, not children who just happen to look like adults... and you won't have this problem.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Does Leviticus have anti-black-people verses too?

Be friends with mature people, not children who just happen to look like adults... and you won't have this problem.

I believe the Southern version does.

[^_^ 5,021]

I believe the Southern version does.

well played, sir.

vj's sons of dixie will be along shortly to lynch you. well, maybe just danno.

[Nooblord 10]

I live in Gainesville, FL and the lines were backing up for nearly a half mile yesterday for dinner! There were some people there with signs though. This situation is so ridiculous though. Did the LGBT community really think that a chairman for the restaurant chain that CLOSES ON SUNDAY, would say he is in favor of gay marriage? Give me a break!! He never said he wouldn't serve gay people, he never said anything to hurt anyone! They asked him a question, he gave his opinion. Problem with people today is that they think everyone must agree with them on everything, or else they are discriminating against them. Also, chick-fil-a appreciation day was a horrible idea. Took me 15 extra minutes on a drive that normally takes 5 to get home because there were so many cars lined up.

[^_^ 5,021]

Gay people today are so entitled. It's like they think we owe it to them to treat them the same way we treat each other. The gall.