New York :

The bill proposed by the New York lawmakers that requires food services along the New York State Thruway rest stops to stay open for all seven days of the week would be a setback for the restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A. According to the bill, publicly-owned service areas should use their space to maximally benefit the public as it will be inconvenient for travelers when a retail space in such a place remains unused for a particular day of the week. The new bill would now affect the restaurant chain as it has locations at rest stops along Interstate 90 in New York state.

“It makes no sense for restaurants at rest stops to be closed on one of the busiest travel days of the week, but Chick-Fil-A has been allowed to limit their service to travelers in their contract with the NYS Thruway Authority,” said the chief sponsor of the bill, Assembly member Tony Simone on X.

The proposed legislation directly affects the restaurant chain’s policy of remaining closed on Sundays, a tradition pioneered by its founder Truett Cathy, ever since he opened its first restaurant in Georgia in 1946. In his book “Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People: Doing Business the Chick-Fil-A Way” written in 2002, Truett wrote, “honoring God and directing our attention to things more important than our business.”

He came up with the Sunday holiday policy based on his Christian belief. “My brother Ben and I closed our first restaurant on the first Sunday after we opened in 1946, and my children have committed to closing our restaurants on Sundays long after I’m gone. I believe God honors our decision and sets before us unexpected opportunities to do greater work for Him because of our loyalty,” he wrote.

The policy allowed its employees to be with their families and worship if they chose on the seventh day of the week.