What do far-right Republicans who control the agenda in Texas do all day? Do they act like they’re running the 11th largest economy in the world?
Not exactly.
Eat Mor Chickin, But Not At #SAT
In March, the San Antonio City Council voted 6 to 4 with one abstention to deny a Chick-fil-A a concession at the city’s airport after members voiced concern about the chain’s record on LGBTQ issues.
Chick-fil-A’s nonprofit arm donates money to a variety of Christian groups including the Paul Anderson Youth Home, a residential home that teaches young boys that same-sex marriage is a “rage against Jesus Christ and his values.”
District 1 City Councilman Roberto Treviño said, “Everyone should feel welcome when they walk through our airport. San Antonio is a city full of compassion, and we don’t have room in our public facilities for a business with a legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior.”
“I want the first thing [a visitor to] see is a San Antonio that is welcoming and that they not see … a symbol of hate,” Councilman Manny Pelaez (D8) said. On top of that, he added, “I don’t want a restaurant that isn’t available on Sunday either.”
In a sane world, this would be the end of the story, but this is Texas and it’s Trumpian Times, so the story does not end as it should.
Don’t Mess With Evangelical Texans And Their Holy Chicken
A “Save Chick-fil-A” bill passed the Texas House on Monday. That’s not a typo, and Adpulp is not The Onion. So let me repeat, a “Save Chick-fil-A” bill passed the Texas House on Monday.
The bill now needs one more procedural vote from the House before it heads back to the Senate for final approval of a House amendment. Then it goes to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature or veto.
According to his Twitter feed, Abbott thinks of himself as a Texas-sized version of Teflon Don.
So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill?
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 21, 2019
I’ll let you know after dinner.
@ChickfilA #txlege pic.twitter.com/xKS3vDV4gS
Mind you, this is happening in a state where Pollo al Carbon is a masterwork.
It’s also worth noting, particularly for those not familiar with the nation’s seventh largest city, that all the Chick-fil-A locations in the San Antonio area are in white neighborhoods.
Smile More, It Sells More Chicken
In related news, employees at Chick-fil-A were the most likely of 15 QSR chains surveyed to say “please” and “thank you,” and to smile at drive-thru customers.
Are you ready to barf yet?
Mark Moraitakis, senior director of hospitality and service design, told QSR. “Eye contact and smiling go a long way in the drive-thru experience.”
How about now?
Think Global, Eat Local
Paradies Lagardère, the dining contractor has agreed to drop Chick-fil-A from its menu, and better yet, the firm is partnering with prominent local Chef Andrew Weissman and other business owners to bring The Luxury, Smoke Shack, Local Coffee, Boss Bagel, and Sip Brew Bar and Market, and a yet-to-be-determined replacement for Chick-fil-A.
San Antonio solves its own problems, quickly and efficiently. Meanwhile, the posturing in Austin continues.
“The more than 34 million tourists who visit San Antonio annually already know about San Antonio’s unique ambiance, history, and culture,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “Giving them an opportunity to taste some of our city’s finest local culinary delights at the airport will enhance the city’s appeal, encouraging further exploration and longer stays.”
