Crowds of customers spilled out of doorways and drive-thru lanes to show their support for the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain on Wednesday, Aug. 1. CEO Dan Cathy, son of the company’s founder, Truett Cathy, has publicly stated his belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

In response to his recent comment, Chicago Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno announced plans to try to block permits from being issued to Chick-fil-A restaurants in his ward. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel put his support behind the alderman, saying Chick-fil-A’s values were not Chicago’s values.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino sent a letter to Cathy dated July 20 in which he stated: “In recent days you said Chick-fil-A opposes same-sex marriage and said the generation that supports it has ‘an arrogant attitude… Now—incredibly—your company says you are backing out of the same-sex marriage debate. I urge you to back out of your plans to locate in Boston.”

In response to what is viewed by many as an attack on First Amendment rights to free speech, Christian activist organizations launched an “Appreciation Day” for the company.

The store at Southwestern and Central was overflowing at lunch and reports on social media and other news organizations indicated this was the case across the nation. Protestors also came to some chain locations, but there were none visible at the Southwestern store. The company’s website says they seek to “treat every person with honor, dignity and respect –regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”