Just two stoplights and several businesses away from Etowah High School, the local Chick-Fil-A is a common destination for students;  however, with the franchise’s recent controversial acts against minority communities, some wonder if the restaurant is worth the money.

Dan T. Cathy, Chick-Fil-A’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has ties with many anti-LGBTQ+ organizations, attends controversial rallies, and donates money to conversion therapy groups, which involve changing one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression most commonly by force. When confronted on several occasions, Cathy voiced his hateful opinions on same-sex marriage, claiming he is “guilty as charged” for his vicious speech. Some struggle to know they are contributing to funding several anti-LGBTQ+ organizations by buying a chicken biscuit in the morning.

“We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage, and I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about,” Cathy said in a radio interview. 

Some people believe the CEO is separate from the restaurant, and others simply prefer the good food. In addition, few decide to not pay attention to the controversy or agree with the CEO’s motives.

“While I do not really know what the CEO of Chick-Fil-A is doing currently, the food is good and that is good enough for me,” Colin Nicassio, senior, said.

Whether one agrees with the CEO’s actions or not, it is important to do research before purchasing the number one meal: a chicken sandwich.