Because of the owner’s religious beliefs, Chick-fil-A locations are typically never open on Sundays.
However, the fast food chain decided to break that rule on Dec. 17 for a very important reason. On that Sunday, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport lost power, which caused more than 1,000 flights to be grounded.
When Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed reached out to the company to see if they could help feed hungry, stranded passengers, the restaurant’s employees were more than happy to oblige.
They jumped into action, making sandwiches and delivering them to an emergency operations center, where they were then distributed to passengers.
“It has been a very difficult day for thousands of travelers,” Amanda Hannah, a company spokesperson, told Business Insider in an email. “And while Chick-fil-A is always closed on Sunday, our restaurants open occasionally to serve communities in need. We do not make a profit but do what we can to offer comfort to people experiencing hardship.”
LIGHTS ON and delivering food and water to our passengers! Thank you @dancathy with @ChickfilA for opening on a SUNDAY! #ChristmasMiracle pic.twitter.com/0PlSxHIWj5
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) December 18, 2017
In all, 2,000 meals were provided to grateful travelers.
Mayor Reed took to Twitter to express his gratitude:
Update: Power has been restored to Concourses A, B, F, T and the @ATLairport atrium. We have provided 2,000 meals so far. Special thank you to Dan Cathy and @ChickfilA for their support. #atlairport
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 18, 2017
This not the first time the fried chicken restaurant has broken its tradition to open on Sundays to help out in a time of crisis.
After the deadly shooting inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year, workers at a location there stepped up to make and distribute sandwiches for first responders and people donating blood to the victims.
“The events in Orlando stirred our local restaurant owners and their teams to band together to provide nourishment to first responders as well as volunteers who donated blood,” company spokeswoman Carrie Kurlander said in a statement. “We do not think this requires any recognition. It is the least we can do in this community we love.”
Kudos to Chick-fil-A for lending a helping hand when people in a bad situation need it most!
Now, if you ever find yourself desperately craving a Chick-fil-A on a Sunday, you can always try replicating their restaurant’s recipes at home. Check out this recipe for copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets and sauce.
Who knew the nuggets called for dill pickle juice? No wonder they’re extra salty and delicious.
