MANASSAS, Va. — Chick-fil-A President and CEO Dan T. Cathy will come to Prince William County to speak about business. The announcement comes as some are crying foul over his recent comments about marriage, stating a union should only be between a man and woman.
Cathy said his Chick-fil-A company, a privately owned fast-food restaurant chain with its highest-grossing restaurant in Woodbridge, is “guilty as charged” when it comes to upholding the biblical definition of a family to include a man and woman.
In November, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will invite Cathy to speak at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Tuesday Nov. 27. Tickets to the event are being sold for up to $55 each, and Cathy is slated to talk about the success of his family-owned business.
Chick-fil-A makes no bones about being a faith-based company and prides itself on quality service to their customers, and treating their employees well by giving them Sundays off.
But there are some community members, business owners, and members of the Prince William Chamber who don’t appreciate the restaurateur’s stance on marriage, and say Cathy’s work supports groups that oppose gay and lesbian marriage.
“I have understood that one of the goals of our community has been to attract first-class businesses to Prince William County. That is why I was surprised at the announcement of Dan Cathy as a major chamber program. Mr. Cathy like all of us is welcome to his personal views but in recent interviews he has made it clear that there is no separation between his personal views and corporate funds when he is supporting groups opposed to Gay and Lesbian rights,” stated Trinity Episcopal Church Rev. Stuart Schadt of Manassas.
Equality Prince William, a group that supports gay and lesbian rights, stopped short of calling for a boycott of Chick-fil-A.
“E-PW believes that it is an individuals’ choice on what actions they take, so while we are not advocating a boycott of Chick-fil-A, we do have to wonder why anyone would patronize a commercial establishment that is happy to take someone’s money, but who believes that person is a second class citizen,” said Equality Prince William President Jim O’Connor.
Residents also chimed in with their thoughts.
“I suspect that Mr. Kathy solicits for speaking engagements in an effort to meet his income needs. Then he donates that money to demean segments of our society in the name of Christianity which should be an affront to all Christians and, frankly, all real human beings,” stated Kathy Kincheloe of Manassas on her Facebook page.
The Prince William Chamber responded to Schadt’s comments in an email obtained by PotomacLocal.com, stating Chick-fil-A will not profit from Cathy’s upcoming appearance in Manassas, and the speaking engagement will offer an opportunity for local business owners to learn from an organization with top-rated customer service.
“As a membership organization, we represent a diverse range of people and industries from across the political spectrum. To limit our speaker choices to only those figures who are in no way polarizing, would be to do a disservice to the local business community. For instance, it would mean that we would not have hosted receptions with the governor, attorney general and other political figures. At the same time, the Chamber does not exist to move forward anybody’s political agenda,” stated Prince William Chamber CEO Robert H. Clapper, II.
Recent Stories
Fredericksburg spent the weekend commemorating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s historic 1824 visit. The Lafayette Bicentennial Commemoration Weekend featured two free public events that closely mirrored the original activities hosted in Lafayette’s honor.
Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion and dedication shaped the restaurant into a beloved community institution:
Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford County) has introduced legislation aimed at closing a loophole created last year by HB 790, which inadvertently allowed underage students to possess tobacco and vaping devices on school grounds without facing legal consequences.
The Fredericksburg Police Department is investigating a past shooting into a vehicle that occurred in the 800 block of William Street. Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene and police are asking anyone with information to contact the department.
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise
