Nashua Chick-Fil-A to Sponsor NH Pride Fest.

[slampoet]

http://nashua.patch.com/articles/nashua-chick-fil-a-to-sponsor-nh-pride-fest

""It started out as a prank," said Manseau, senior director of the NH Pride Fest of his canvassing at the mall. His plan was to plant some NH Pride Fest flyers amongst the Chick-Fil-A catering menus outside the mall-based restaurant, for effect.

"After we made the rounds in the mall with the flyers, we circled back by Chick-Fil-A and we spotted a guy who looked like a manager holding the flyer," Manseau said, who was distributing flyers with fellow event organizers Matthew Richards, 19, and Tara Powell, 27.

"So we went up to him ready to talk, to stand our ground. Shockingly enough, he was the owner, Anthony Piccola. He sat down with us – and also with his gay marketing director – and he ordered us all lunch. Then he said, 'Are are you looking for sponsors fo this thing?'" Manseau said.

And that's how the owner of a local Chick-Fil-A called for a truce in the midst of a national food fight that has nothing to do with food.

With his offer of event sponsorship, Piccola took a bold stand on what it means to be a part of the community he serves, Manseau said.

"Yeah, there's still paperwork to fill out, but it looks like Chick-Fil-A will be manning a 10-by-10 booth and giving out free food at Pride Fest," Manseau said.

Attempts by Nashua Patch to reach Piccola Tuesday night was unsuccessful. However, a statement quoting Piccola was issued by Pride Fest organizers:"







I would take this story with about as much salt as there is in a large order of fries,.....this story could just be a further continuation of the prank.

BUT if this is true do you think that it will happen? What would your reaction be if you saw the booth at the Pride Fest? Is it possible this person could start a franchise rebellion? or is it more likely he will loose his franchise?

I certainly don't know on this one. Brave fucker though. Gotta give him that.


EDIT new INFO.

Okay i just IM'ed with one of the people who is the other flyer-passer in the story and he confirms that this is about as real as it can be for just being in the embryonic stages. He hear all the conversations with the owner. WOW!

[Kalidurga]

1. Interesting...

Puts the baggers in a quandary doesn't it. Do they go here to support Chic-fail-a or do they boycott.

[dballance]

2. If this is real kudos to the owner. BUT

I still have a problem with the fact that a portion of his profits go back to corporate. And all the money he spends to buy the branded cups, paper bags, napkins, etc. goes back to corporate.

Then corporate takes those dollars and gives them to ex-gay ministries and anti-marriage equality causes.

I really appreciate his efforts and I know he's probably just a local business guy trying to make a living after a huge investment in a franchise. Unfortunately he hitched his wagon to the wrong star.

[DCKit]

5. He can always sue the company for the damage they've done to his business. nt

[closeupready]

10. This x 1000. Didn't think about that, but yes, he can.

K&R

[Ryan_Manseau]

3. Tilting the hat

This is the only article, as of yet, to make a ground breaking statement:

"...Is it possible this person could start a franchise rebellion? or is it more likely he will loose his franchise?

"I certainly don't know on this one. Brave fucker though. Gotta give him that."

You see, this is not a display of corporate beliefs. Dan Cathy did that all on his own, and look what it has done to him. This is a display of one man's values being greater than his need to fill his wallet. Anthony Picolia has stood up to show his morals, his personal convictions, and he's doing what's right. He bought a chick-fil-a franchise long before this controversy and now he's drawing the line between right and wrong.

In a time of hate and greed, this is truly an inspiring gesture.

I'm not saying go out and burn your next pay check at chick-fil-a. I am, however, saying that we members of the LGBTQ community can be proud of ourselves and our supporters. Chick-fil-a has become a massive force against equality these days. BUT, we of the LGBTQ community have just shown this tyrant that there is NO home for homophobia in this nation. The fear and hatred has no where to hide any more.

All my best,
Sr. Director of NH Pride Fest: Ryan Manseau

[closeupready]

11. Amen to that. We got your back, bro.

[riderinthestorm]

14. Welcome to DU! I hope Mr. Picolia becomes the poster child of how Chick Fil A handles this

I think it would be great if the backlash was such that the franchise owners took control of this issue and ALL of them individually began taking steps to link with their local LGBTQ groups.

Now that would be righteous justice for Mr. Cathy.

[Ryan_Manseau]

4. @HRC

You're exactly right, he's just a local business guy on a bad wagon all of a sudden. And you're exactly right about the a fraction going back to Dan Cathy.

However, another fraction is coming into our cause, our LGBTQ cause. Dan Cathy will be forced to realize he needs to change his ways. The national attention has no doubt already broken him. Let's see how he fairs when his own business can't stand for his intolerance and poorly placed emotions.

Also, I would like everyone to know that chick-fil-a is donation for their spot at the event. They will not be SELLING anything, they will not be making any money from this event. Their food is free and at their cost only.

-Sr. Director of NH Pride: Ryan Manseau

[EOTE]

7. Welcome to DU!

And thanks for the information. It does appear that this particular Chick-fil-a is doing the right thing here and should be commended for their actions. Hope the Pride Fest goes well and hope you stick around.

[davsand]

18. Will you please let that owner know how much respect we have for him?

It is really easy to talk tough and be strong when you are hiding in the weeds behind the lines. It is another thing altogether to stand up when you are on the front lines and you are pinning on the target. True courage is a mighty rare thing at any given time, and I honestly feel your guy is one of those rare examples.

He's risking a lot on a personal level and I hope he realizes that some of us recognize and celebrate him for that.




Laura

[HopeHoops]

6. How long before his franchise gets cancelled?

[DFW]

9. That's just what I was thinking.

Do you give him a week?

[HopeHoops]

17. I think it will be the day before the event. That's a "giving your boss the finger" thing.

[slampoet]

8. Self kick for the morrning crowd.

[SidDithers]

12. If he uses the corporate logo at the Pride fest...

bet Chick-Fil-A National will have something to say about it. Wouldn''t be surprised if he loses his franchise.

Sid

[HappyMe]

15. If he loses the franchise

I would think that the backlash against National would be more intense than it is now. That's as it should be.

This guy is doing the right thing. I hope other franchise owners follow suit.

[cali]

13. this doesn't surprise me in the least.

this is New England, and yes NH has more wingnuts than vermont, but it's still far more likely to have people supporting equality than most states.

[slampoet]

19. You are right.

I used to live in beautiful Nashua and found it was the most progressive part of the state.

But even the conservatism of NH is a little more from the "mind your own business" school which can be pro-gay rights, pro-choice, and anti-drug war.

[piratefish08]

16. Chik Fil A - bigotry and homophobia at a reasonable price. with a side of fries.

[randome]

20. The groundswell of corporate turns to support is truly inspiring.

It is evidence that a Progressive era is about to overturn the Conservative nightmare we have been in for the past 30 years.

[Egalitarian Thug]

21. K&R Good for him. n/t

[xmas74]

22. I'm not surprised.

The franchise owners bought it at a time before those nasty comments were made public. They are victims here, as are the hourly employees.

The franchise owner might have a gay brother, the cook a lesbian niece, the cashier a bisexual best friend. We don't know. All we know is that, as of this time, many of them are stuck with the statements made.

I know someone at the local Chik-Fil-A. He took the job because there weren't that many jobs available at the time and because he knew he'd always have Sunday off to be home with his kids. (They usually fish unless it's football season.) I feel bad for him but he also said he understands why people don't want to come in.

I'm glad to see that a store has decided to help support Pride. I hope to see more of this in the future.

[slampoet]

23. Looks like the Boston globe picked this up too

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2012/08