Community Corner

Why You Can't Protest or Support Michigan's Only Chick-fil-A in Rochester

Michigan has only one Chick-fil-A — and it's right here in Rochester. But guess what? It's closed for the summer.

Chick-fil-A, the fried chicken fast-food restaurant in the headlines for its president's comments against same-sex marriage, has one Michigan location.

And it's right here in Rochester.

But it hasn't been open through this summer of controversy.

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Rochester Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There's a Chick-fil-A inside the Oakland Center on the campus of Oakland University. It opened in 2002, according to a report in The Oakland Post, the university's newspaper. It's managed by Chartwells, the food service company that manages the Oakland Center's Pioneer Food Court (and the same one that manages the food service at Rochester Community Schools). 

Chick-fil-A at OU is closed until Sept. 4, when classes resume at the university.

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Rochester Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This week, the university offered a statement about Chick-fil-A in response to the recent controversy and on the heels of a record-sales-setting "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" on Wednesday. 

"Chick-fil-A is a food service tenant at Oakland University and has a contract with Chartwells to provide their food to the campus community," said Ted Montgomery, director of media relations at OU.

"The comments of its CEO are certainly regrettable and do not in any way reflect the views of Oakland University. 

"Oakland University is committed to inclusion regarding race, color, religion and sexual orientation, and has created significant programs and organizations to foster understanding and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals. We work hard to provide a safe and friendly environment for everyone on campus, regardless of their sexual orientation.  

"Chartwells is keeping Oakland informed of developments and actions under consideration."

At least one student group is planning a protest of the restaurant, according to a report this week in the Oakland Post

Chick-fil-A has about 1,600 locations nationwide. It is known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, among other offerings.


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