“A publicly financed facility like the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is not the appropriate venue for a Chick-fil-A restaurant,” Ryan said then. “We hope in the future the NFTA will make every effort to contract with businesses that adhere to anti-discriminatory policies, and we’re confident another vendor who better represents the Western New York community will replace Chick-fil-A as a part of this project in the very near future.”

Chick-fil-A said then that other national media coverage “drives an inaccurate narrative” about the chain. Delaware North said Chick-fil-A represented only an “option.” And the NFTA emphasized the decision to cancel rested with Delaware North and not the authority.

As a result, the Chick-fil-A concept went no further after Delaware North noted the lack of community support.

But now all entities seem on board with the new ideas, which Delaware North said represents a 600% increase in investment beyond its contractual obligations.

Hong said Delaware North has emphasized many local offerings in its airport concessions around the country. And while BurgerFi represents a national operation at the Buffalo airport, the others reflect a local flavor.