News of Chick-fil-A’s expansion into Toronto is being slammed online by some LGBTQ supporters, who have declared a boycott of the chicken-centric chain’s future Canadian locations via Twitter.
On July 25, Chick-fil-A President and COO Tim Tassopoulos announced that the chain will open its first international location in the city in 2019, with plans to open 15 more restaurants through the next five years in the greater Toronto area.
“Toronto is a great city – with diverse and caring people, a vibrant restaurant culture and a deep talent pool,” he said in an open letter. “These characteristics align perfectly with Chick-fil-A’s focus on community giving, delivering a premium restaurant experience and working with passionate people who can grow with our company.”
He added that the Atlanta-based chain spent “years researching cities around the world” before selecting Toronto.
Some LGBTQ supporters, meanwhile, are furious with the news, declaring that Chick-fil-A’s historically antigay policies will clash with the culture of the Ontario city, which has previously been named the third most LGBT-friendly city in the world.
