Good Question: When will Chick-fil-A be open at Thruway rest stops?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — This is about the new locations for Chick-fil-A planned for the Thruway as part of the rest stop renovations.

Here’s a Good Question about day-to-day operations. Kim is one of several viewers asking News10NBC’s Brennan Somers: Wondering if the Chick-fil-A will be open on Sundays at the Thruway rest stops?

That answer is no.

The company is keeping with its strict policy of not opening on Sunday even though it’s a busy travel day.

Chick-fil-A’s founder made that decision when they started in the 1940s so he and employees "could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose."

The Thruway authority tells Somers the decision to bring Chick-fil-A to the soon-to-be renovated rest stops on 90 was Empire State Thruway Partners to make. That’s the new management group recently bought out by an Irish company called Applegreen.

The Sunday off day for business was included in its proposal to lease the service plazas.

Management is paying $300 million to rebuild the rest stops plus another $150 million in rent and maintenance over the next three decades. It will keep most of the sales revenue and the thruway authority gets a guaranteed cut.

Democratic state lawmakers pushed back on the plans for Chick-fil-A saying you should not look past the chain’s history of giving to groups pushing anti-LGBTQ causes.

The company responded by saying it does not have a political or social agenda. and it welcomes everyone in the restaurants.

Two years ago — Chick-fil-A also announced it would drop donations for two controversial Christian charities — the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

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