MSP Chick-fil-A s day of rest draws grumbles from some - StarTribune.com

An older story but highlights this issue of Religious Exceptionalism.  Or smart business move on the part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport management?

Usually, retailers and restaurant operators must stay open 365 days a year to win a coveted spot at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Except one — Chick-fil-A, the popular (and profitable) fast-food outlet on Terminal 1’s C Concourse.

The Atlanta-based restaurant chain has remained closed on Sunday for nearly 70 years, a testament to founder Truett Cathy’s “faith in God,” according to the company’s website. That’s been the case at the Twin Cities airport for the past three years, as well, despite written rules to the contrary.

Some competing eateries, which do open every day, privately grumble that Chick-fil-A gets to play by different rules in the high-stakes airport concession game.

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“So essentially, Chick-fil-A with a six-day-a-week operation is outselling nearly all other quick-service restaurants at [the airport] that are open 365 days a year,” Hogan added. “It is very popular, underpinning why it’s important to have national as well as local brands at the airport.”

MSP Chick-fil-A s day of rest draws grumbles from some - StarTribune.com