Any Chick-fil-A fan knows the chicken chain is closed on Sundays. It’s a practice that’s been in place since Chick-fil-A first opened in Georgia in 1946.
But now, a bill has been introduced in New York that could affect Chick-fil-A locations at rest stops along Interstate 90 in New York state. The new bill would require food services at transportation facilities and rest areas to remain open seven days a week.
The bill goes on to say that “While there is nothing objectionable about a fast food restaurant closing on a particular day of the week, service areas dedicated to travelers is an inappropriate location for such a restaurant …
Allowing for retail space to go unused one seventh of the week or more is a disservice and unnecessary inconvenience to travelers who rely on these service areas.”
The New York State Thruway Authority accounted for Chick-fil-A closures on Sunday by offering other restaurants in the rest stops to provide additional options for travelers according to Thruway spokesperson Jennifer Givner.
“Our requirement is that we have at least one hot food option available,” said Givner. “If Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays we have other alternatives for our customers.”
Seven Chick-fil-As are located in multiple New York State Thruway rest stops, with three more planned to be built, according to WRGB Albany.
The bill also will require New Jersey to enact the same law for food services at the Port Authority, which will take effect after New Jersey passes a statute similar to the one in New York. USA Today has reached out to Chick-fil-A for comment.
