Chick-fil-A CEO Discusses Company’s Hospitality Focus During Today Interview
Chick-fil-A chief executive Andrew Cathy said the chain prioritizes hospitality and service when asked about its stance on LGBTQ rights on NBC’s “Today” program.
NBC’s “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin questioned Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy about the fast-food chain’s position on LGBTQ and equal-rights issues, referencing the company’s 2012 controversy over statements made by Cathy’s father, former CEO Dan Cathy.
Cathy responded that the company’s priority is “hospitality, serving great-tasting food and great service,” and emphasized that anyone who walks through a restaurant’s doors is welcome to eat there.
"Everybody that’s willing to walk in the door, they’re welcome to come eat with us. We would love to give them a great-tasting sandwich and great hospitality," Cathy said.
The interview also noted that Chick-fil-A continues to close on Sundays and cites a Christian mission as part of its corporate purpose. The company’s current policies prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and recent charitable giving has been redirected toward education, homelessness and hunger initiatives.
Media commentary on the segment included criticism from NewsBusters managing editor Curtis Houck, who described the interview as an “ambush,” and former “Today” anchor Katie Couric, who called Cathy’s answers “a non-answer.” Fox News Digital reported that the network, Cathy and Chick-fil-A had not responded to requests for comment.