Chick-fil-A founder Samuel Truett Cathy passed away at the age of 93 on September 8, leaving behind his legacy in the world of Christian business. For students, the nearby Chick-fil-A in La Habra serves as a staple in off-campus dining. However, Chick-fil-A is much more than a place to eat a delicious chicken sandwich. According to those who have worked with the restaurant in multiple capacities, it is a place that serves and blesses the community of Biola.
LOCAL SERVICE
Cathy dedicated himself to serving others — and that service has been seen time and time again in the restaurant’s assistance with multiple Biola events. Most recently, the fast food restaurant hosted a meal for the Torrey Honors Institute freshmen orientation, commonly known as Torrientation. Sophomore communication studies major Charlotte Stobbe, one of the coordinators for the event, spoke of Chick-fil-A’s attitude towards service.
“In all my experience seeking donations and coordinating with other companies for events, I have never received such an enthusiastic response and a willingness to serve as I did from Chick-fil-A,” Stobbe said.
Chick-fil-A provided both food and community for the incoming Torrey students, going above and beyond in their service.
“Not only in the weeks before Torrientation was Chick-fil-A polite and eager to help, but the day of, their manager was heavily involved,” said sophomore psychology major Megan DePaso, another Torrientation coordinator. “The manager welcomed the students, took pictures of the students with the Chick-fil-A cow and invited the students to come back whenever and as often as they liked.”
Associated Students has also received exceptional help from Chick-fil-A in planning meals for their events.
“Chick-fil-A has been my go-to for when I do my staff events. They are very accommodating,” said AS Vice President of Administrative Services and senior communications major Becky Gallacher. “Who doesn’t love the convenience and delicious food they provide?”
CONTROVERSIAL COMMITMENTS
The late Samuel Cathy famously closed Chick-fil-A every Sunday so that workers could have a day of rest and worship. However, controversy arose in 2012 when the founder’s son and current CEO Dan Cathy affirmed the organization’s commitment to upholding traditional marriage and funding groups that upheld those same values. Despite the controversy surrounding the restaurant, Biola students strongly support for Chick-fil-A and the company’s principles.
Gallacher, speaking not to represent AS but as a member of the Biola community, said that she believes Dan Cathy should take his stance very seriously and not back down from his convictions.
“I believe he should be in constant prayer about how he phrases his beliefs to the press, as we all should,” Gallacher said.
Chick-fil-A continues to support Biola by donating meals to student events, and students continue to take their business to Chick-fil-A.
“It’s great to have a restaurant close to Biola that you can feel good about supporting with your business,” said sophomore mathematics major and Torrientation food coordinator Caitlyn Zito.
