Face of Nation : A controversial U.S. fast-food chain has opened in downtown Toronto to a long line of customers, but also to a group of outraged protesters.
Chick-fil-A Inc., which is known for both its fried chicken sandwiches and its ownership’s religious beliefs, started serving up chicken dishes Friday morning. It’s the first franchised location in Canada, opening five years after a Chick-fil-A started up at the Calgary airport before recently closing.
When the Toronto restaurant opened at 10:30 a.m. ET, customers streamed in as protesters chanted “shame” outside the front doors. “We won’t allow hateful rhetoric to be here,” said Justin Khan, who works at The 519, an LGBTQ community centre in an area of Toronto known as the gay village, just a few blocks from the restaurant.
“The fact that Chick-fil-A is opening on the streets of Toronto is something that is quite alarming.” Khan went on to accuse the corporation of promoting “hate and discrimination” against the LGBTQ community.
But franchise owner Wilson Yang said in a statement: “We respect people’s right to share their opinions and want all Torontonians to know they are welcome at Chick-fil-A Yonge & Bloor.
“Our focus is on offering a welcoming and respectful environment for our guests and team members, and we encourage people to give us a try.” The company has plans to establish about 15 locations around the Greater Toronto Area over the next five years.
