In 2011, Chick-fil-A opened their first location in the city of Chicago (three other locations were opened in the Chicago suburbs in late 2010/early 2011) and found much success near the city’s famed Magnificent Mile despite being closed on Sundays. Looking to expand their presence in the Chicago area, they petitioned 1st Ward Alderman Proco “Joe” Moreno for a permit to build in his Logan Square neighborhood. Despite the additional revenue that the fast food restaurant will bring to the neighborhood, Alderman Moreno is looking to block the permit that would allow Chick-fil-A to build in Logan Square.
“If you are discriminating against a segment of the community, I don’t want you in the 1st Ward,” Moreno told the Tribune on Tuesday.
And he has the approval of the Mayor: “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values,” the mayor said in a statement when asked about Moreno’s decision. “They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents. This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty.”
Chick-fil-A has found itself back in the spotlight again for its stance on marriage being between one man and one woman. The fast food chicken chain has always aligned its values with that of the Christian church, but they find themselves under great scrutiny in today’s political climate.
Considering that Moreno has exercised is aldermanic privilege to block a Wal-Mart from being built in his ward, I think he has a chance to keep Chick-fil-A and their values out of his neighborhood.
