“Concern” Over New Chick-fil-A in St. Louis Park

The opportunity to “eat mor chikin” may be coming to St. Louis Park. But apparently not without controversy. The Star Tribune published an article Saturday focusing on the “concerns of some St. Louis Park residents” over the potential Chick-fil-A franchise in Knollwood Mall.

Members of Allies of St. Louis Park, a Facebook group, are quoted throughout the article saying they want Chick-fil-A to support the gay and transgender community by operating the fast-food company in a different way.

The group has made several requests of the franchise, including that it consider installing gender-neutral bathrooms at the new location. “It’s such an easy thing that can be done to show support for the gay and transgender community,” group founder Susan Niz said.

The original chicken sandwich franchise is a privately held company and not obligated to show support for certain communities. And despite the company saying it will “treat any person equally regardless of their beliefs,” the Allies group is on the defensive.

“We just want to make sure that Chick-fil-A was put on notice that we will be monitoring their activities,” said Zaylore Stout, a labor and employment law attorney [and member of Allies].

Consumers have a choice when it comes to businesses they patronize. If you don’t like what a business stands for, do not frequent there. Let the competitive market, not the demands of a small group, determine whether or not this Chick-fil-A will generate enough business to remain open and be successful.

The city of St. Louis Park has bigger chicken to fry.