Only five years ago, Chick-Fil-A opened their first stand-alone full-service restaurant in Michigan. Since then it has become a favorite fast-food destination to many Michigan residents, including some Grand Valley State University students. However, other students don’t support the restaurant’s ideals.

The new restaurant opened on Oct. 14 and is located on 356 Wilson Ave in Standale. As of now, the restaurant will only be open for drive-through, carry out and patio dining.

The short distance from the GVSU campus has proven to be very convenient for Chick-fil-A lovers. 

“Until now, the closest Chick-fil-A was in the Kentwood area,” said GVSU student Krista Zarend.  “I would rarely get it because it was so far. This is kind of embarrassing, but I’ve already gotten it a couple times and it hasn’t even been open for a week.” 

Compared to popular GVSU destinations like McDonald’s, Culvers and Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A might stand out from the crowd. 

Chick-fil-A specializes in chicken, as opposed to other popular fast food joints that focus on burgers or tacos. Though the company’s chicken recipe is a trade secret, the key is rumored to be pickle juice.

The restaurant had a successful opening day and continues to have long lines six days a week. With multiple workers carrying iPads along the two-way line, Chick-fil-A’s drive-through technique helps with the big rushes. 

“There was a line stretching all the way through the Culver’s parking lot and I still ended up out of there in around 20 minutes, which seemed like a win to me,” Zarend said. “They had someone taking my order, then someone getting my card and someone double-checking my order all before the first window.”

Although many students enjoy the food and efficient drive-through, some don’t support the fast-food chain itself. 

“I don’t really like to eat at Chick-fil-A,” said GVSU student Zoë Moseler. “They support anti-LGBTQ organizations and that’s not something I stand for. I personally don’t think it’s worth it. I’ll just get chicken somewhere else.”

Before 2012, Chick-fil-A donated to the WinShape Foundation which was created by the founder of Chick-fil-A, Truett Cathy. Gay rights advocates have denounced the WinShape Foundation for financially supporting organizations that support same-sex marriage.

In response to the backlash surrounding their support of anti-LGBTQ groups, the Chick-fil-A Foundation announced they were going to change their philanthropic giving model in 2019. 

According to chick-fil-afoundation.org, they will donate around $9-million dollars to specific organizations that impact youth education, youth homelessness and fighting hunger.

While Chick-fil-A changed their donation focus, some students still don’t support the company. 

“Honestly, Chick-fil-A never said they would stop donating to these groups, they just said that they’re changing their core philanthropies,” Moseler said. “Many people from Chick-fil-A leadership still donate to homophobic groups, just not the actual company.” 

Whether GVSU students support or don’t support the restaurant, there is a new location near the Allendale campus. 

Chick-fil-A is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Customers can do contactless payments through the app or online ordering.