Chick-fil-A’s PR crisis: Chicago, Boston block restaurant chain

Last week, Chick-fil-A CEO Don Cathy said his company supports traditional marriage, sparking a social media firestorm and boycott that has yet to subside.

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Last week’s social media firestorm—ignited by Chick-fil-A CEO Don Cathy’s comments that his company supports traditional marriage—has leapt from the screen to the nation’s city halls as officials in Chicago and Boston have moved to prevent the chain from opening new stores in their cities.

Chicago Alderman Joe Moreno promised to block the fast feeder from opening a location in his ward, which would be the second Chick-fil-A in the Windy City. Moreno told the Chicago Tribune: “If you are discriminating against a segment of the community, I don’t want you in the 1st Ward.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel lent his support to Moreno, saying: “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents. This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty.”

The Tribune said a Chick-fil-A public relations rep asked the paper to email questions, which the company did not answer.

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