The inclusive McDonalds sign (Photo: NBC)
A local US McDonalds has attracted attention after seemingly teasing Chik-fil-A for their less-than-inclusive attitudes.
A Glastonbury, Connecticut branch of the burger chain erected a sign stating ‘We Welcome Everyone’ beneath their iconic yellow arches.
Residents believe this to be a dig at Chik-fil-A, a branch of which is opening next door on 26th July.
Chik-fil-A has attracted controversy and criticism in recent years due to its owners opposition to equal marriage.
The fast food chain, specializing in chicken sandwiches, is run by the family of S.Truett Cathy. Cathy founded the chain in 1946.
Chik-fil-A has donated over $5 million to anti-marriage equality groups. The chains chief operating officer Dan T. Cathy has publicly condemned same-sex marriage, stating in 2012 that those seeking to redefine marriage laws were ‘inviting God’s judgement on our nation’.
The chains comments and activities invited widespread derision, and were even parodied by singing drag group DWV.
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‘For McDonalds to welcome everyone, that is a huge step for them’
Reaction to the sign has been mixed.
Raymond Modzicato of South Windsor said: ‘Diversity’s a good thing. What are they gonna do? Not serve some people? I mean, it’s kind of funny today but I think it might have something to do with their neighbors. Which, you know, not calling them out or anything…’
Tina Manus drove to the McDonalds from her home in Stratford, an hour’s journey away, to show support. She said: ‘For McDonald’s to step up and say we welcome everyone. I feel that is a huge step for them. Then in the background you have Chick-fil-A who has historically not welcomed everyone’.
Others have criticized the store for throwing shade at Chik-fil-A.
Zack Caporale of Glastonbury said: ‘I feel like it’s kind of rude to Chick-fil-A because they have Christian beliefs, but that doesn’t mean they have to not accept gay people’.
A general manager for the Glastonbury McDonalds denied any subtext to the sign. Speaking to NBC Connecticut, she claimed: ‘It just means that everyone is welcome, young old, everyone’.
The Glastonbury Chick-Fil-A franchise owner Jordan Snook stated: ‘We are excited to open in Glastonbury next week, and look forward to being great neighbors who welcome everyone.
‘Glastonbury will be representative of all Chick-fil-A restaurants in serving great food and providing remarkable service for all customers, as well as a diverse workplace of individuals who represent many viewpoints, opinions, backgrounds and beliefs.’
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