Chick-fil-A May Or Not Open In Redwood City, Like It Or Not

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Hold the order. As far as the Redwood City and San Mateo County is concerned, Chick-fil-A is due to open soon, taking out a permit to do so.

But to hear it from the controversial national chicken restaurant chain, it could be as distant as its access. The chain released the following statement to Patch regarding its pulling of an architectural permit the city granted:

"We are always evaluating potential new locations in the hopes of serving existing and new customers great food with remarkable service. While we hope to serve the Redwood City community in the future, we do not currently have any locations to confirm," an unattributable spokesman said.

When asked again to confirm its desire to open at 536 Whipple Avenue in Redwood City at the site of a supposed outgoing McDonalds, the coy employee replied no other details beyond the preceding statement would be given.

If the chicken chain often under fire for its anti-LGBTQ politics decides to be forthright with its response to the public, it will find that as land-use issues go the eatery will meet the zoning requirements.

Still, the city has seen a stirring among some who have disavowed the politics of the Atlanta-based, privately-held company, which was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy and now runs more than 2,400 restaurants in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Despite attracting protesters along with a loyal following, the chain has won awards including one from Glass Door for its employment practices.

But at least on the Peninsula, San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa is not having it. He opposes the restaurant going in for its policies.

"Chick-fil-A’s values don’t represent our values. The logo might as well say ‘we hate gay people,'" said Canepa, who represents District 5, which includes Brisbane, Broadmoor, Colma, Daly City and parts of the City of San Bruno and South San Francisco.

He advised the city of Redwood City that even though it cannot deny the restaurant based on land-use issues, the local government could hold hearings on the matter.

Canepa also wrote the company Chief Executive Officer Dan T. Cathy a letter last month urging him to withdraw the permit request because the company does not "represent the values of the overwhelming majority of San Mateo County residents." He cited the county as being California's first to open a special commission to serve LGBTQ needs in order for that minority "to live in a community that fosters inclusion rather than hate."

The supervisor suggested the company donate to the community to extend its good intentions.

"Why don't you show us you're invested in the community?" he told Patch in addressing the restaurant chain.

See also

• LGBTQ Rainbow Flags To Fly At San Jose Airport