Customers line up for Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Customers are lining up to eat at Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Tennessee Valley.

Supporters of Chick-fil-A are encouraging customers to eat at the company's restaurants Wednesday, declaring a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

The restaurant chain became the subject of controversy after company president Dan Cathy told the Baptist Press last month that his company supported the "biblical definition of a family."

"Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was not created by Chick-fil-A. We appreciate all of our customers and are glad to serve them at any time," said Steve Robinson, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Chick-fil-A Inc. "Our goal is simple: to provide great food, genuine hospitality and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A."

In response to comments, gay rights organizations have called for boycotts of the restaurant.

James Robinson of Huntsville-based GLBT Advocacy and Youth Services said he has been boycotting the company's stance for awhile.

"It concerns me greatly that people do not seem to understand that these are hate messages. They contribute to hate crimes," Robinson said.

Robinson said this is not a free speech issue. He said he's concerned about a corporation taking a public stand against same-sex marriage.

Many supporters said they are waiting in line to show their support for the company. The line of cars at the University Drive location backed up several blocks. The Whitesburg Drive location had a line wrapped around the building and an employee directing traffic in the parking lot.

Madison police are asking motorists to avoid the area of Chick-fil-A at 7885 Highway 72 West because of traffic congestion in front of the restaurant in both directions. Huntsville Police were dispatched to control traffic at the intersections near the restaurants.

Customers waited hours in some locations to eat, but most didn't mind the wait.

"I think we just really want to stand for a company that says they want to support traditional marriage and that's why we're here: to support them, to support the values that God has taught us and we just want to stand by those," said Melanie Robertson.

"I think that's what people are interested in when they come to Chick-fil-A," said Barry Wesson, a Chick-fil-A owner. "They're not coming to question your spiritual beliefs, or stance on same-sex marriage. They're going to eat. And that's what we want to do, we want to feed them."

Customers also lined up for breakfast at the Florence location.

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