Ya gotta feel a little for Chick-fil-A's franchise owners who have been swept up in the company's president's intolerant remarks. I'd like to think we could separate the good guys from the bad -- the man who owns the store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood sounds lovely (see his letter below) -- but as a franchise, a percentage of all sales go back to the corporate office, the very office that is donating millions to anti-gay organizations. I suppose it's up to each consumer to decide what is the right decision for him or her, but franchisees should probably research the people they're jumping into bed with before they sign the dotted line. Personally, I'd probably steer clear of this place and just pray the nearby El Pollo Loco isn't donating money to any unsavory characters!!!.
Click to ENLARGE.
Dear Mr. Cillpam –
I just read the statement that you shared via your restaurant’s Facebook page. It’s wonderful that you and your wife love Los Angeles and consider Hollywood your home. I also love Hollywood—it’s not just my home, it’s where I work as Chief Public Affairs Officer for the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, which is just blocks from your restaurant. But would you have the same love for Los Angeles if your marriage wasn’t recognized here? If it was legal for you to be fired here because you’re straight? Your company—the company you support with your franchise fees—gives millions to organizations working to deprive LGBT of our rights, including the freedom to marry and protection from workplace discrimination.
Contrary to your statement, Chick-fil-A’s president made it quite clear he was speaking for the company with his “guilty as charged” statements. You, as a franchise owner, are an important part of that company. In fact, the company wouldn’t exist without franchisees. If you truly care about your community, which includes a huge number of LGBT people, convince Chick-fil-A to stop funding anti-LGBT organizations and to start supporting full equality for LGBT people. Until then, don’t expect us to patronize your restaurant or those of any other franchisees.
Sincerely,
Jim Key
5 comments:
This letter was much like the one that came out of the Chicago location -- and it just reeks of some PR campaign that Chick-fil-a corporate is spearheading.
You are correct that a portion of the money does wide up back at headquarters and if this guy opened his location a year ago, it was WELL know the stance that CFA took. Now is not the time to be "but we are good people!" Tough. You license the name, you also deal with the drama that comes with that.
Shorter: Lay down with dogs, get up with fleas.
Ask this man if his Hollywood location has anti-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
We know that the corporate office doesn't because they score a ZERO from HRC
I have to agree with Jim Key, as much as I respect the Hollywood franchisee's comments (I'm surprised to learn there's a Chick-fil-A anywhere near L.A.!). The message is simple Don't use your bucks to deny me my rights as a human being, and I won't consciously avoid your business.
Has anyone else noticed every one of the owners are married? Is that a requirement to get a franchise? I already know the answer, we are all on our first marriages, or we are a family company. It is not just lower level hiring practices, it is owner/managers must be "straight" married. When Chick-fil-A awards a franchise without the 1950's Leave It to Beaver (or Vance Packard)requirements, we'll talk.
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