(ConservativeJournal.org) – The New York State Assembly has introduced the Rest Stop Restaurant Act, a bill that could make Chick-fil-A change its longstanding practice of remaining closed on Sundays. This legislation mandates food and beverage establishments contracted for services along the Thruway and at the Port Authority in New York and New Jersey to operate 7 days a week.
Chick-fil-A, known for being closed on Sundays since its inception, currently has nearly 3,000 restaurants across 48 states. The company has consistently attributed its Closed-on-Sundays policy to religious convictions, emphasizing that it wants to leave a positive impact on its customers.
In 2021, Applegreen, an Irish convenience store conglomerate, got control of the leases of all Thruway Authority service areas. Right now, 7 Chick-fil-A restaurants are open along the New York State Thruway, with plans for 3 more establishments.
The bill states that while individual restaurant closure days might be acceptable, service areas catering to travelers necessitate uninterrupted operation for the public’s maximum benefit. The legislation only exempts “temporary concessions such as farmers markets or local vendors” from the continuous service requirement.
Assemblyman Tony Simone, a sponsor of the bill, emphasized the significance of ensuring dependable food services at New York State’s transportation hubs during an interview with ABC News. Simone remarked on the inconvenience posed to travelers when restaurants, particularly on busy days like Sundays, remain closed. He said that it is imperative to prioritize New York travelers within Thruway facilities.
Contrarily, a Thruway official informed WTEN that Chick-fil-A had already committed to a 33-year contract for all 27 service areas within the $450 million project, all without utilizing toll or tax funds.
As the bill progresses through the Albany assembly session, Simone and fellow sponsors are actively trying to convince co-sponsors of the bill to make it pass quickly. While Chick-fil-A remains silent on the matter, the legislative landscape suggests potential changes ahead for the fast-food chain in New York.
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