[w8vY7ER]

Fascinating to see such clear ramifications of allowing religious beliefs to creep into the outcome of successful product expansion. I wonder if they will make any attempt to overcome this image in the future, or instead focus inwardly and try to continue engaging the existing customer base more frequently to pursue growth.

[mrrrgn]

> Fascinating to see such clear ramifications of allowing religious beliefs to creep into the outcome of successful product expansion.

Dicks sporting goods recently took a stand against firearms that raised the ire of some of its customer base. Tons of companies go out of their way to support political messages all the time. I'd say taking moral/political positions is very much a normal tactic these days in the business world.

Time will tell how it pans out, but my guess is that it isn't some sort of disaster. Most people seem apathetic to such messaging and for every person who decides to buy a chicken sandwich from Popeye's instead of Chik-fil-a in order to "fight hate" there will probably be another one or two who go out of their way to eat Chik-fil-a in order to "stick it to the man" or whatever.

I'm just curious when this phenomenon started. Has it always existed? It seems like a straightforward tactic for building brand loyalty (staking out a position on some sort of lifestyle issue).

[scarface74]

There is a huge moral difference between "I won't sell guns" and "I want the government to discriminate against consenting adults doing something because I personally disapprove"

[tomatotomato37]

Chick-Fla-A is a private company (and forced to be so in the founder's will), so they have no shareholder obligation to pursue growth at all costs. They'll probably just shrug it off and concentrate on domestic expansion.

[scarface74]

Can a founder really "force" all of the owners not to go public after he dies? Who is going to force them?

[ryanmercer]

Given they are closed on Sundays, I doubt they are worried about what people think of their religious stance/beliefs or worried about bending to pressure/common opinion just to increase profits (or they'd open on Sundays like every other fast food company).