Supporters hold 'Chick-fil-A Day'

AUSTIN (KXAN/AP) - Supporters of Chick-fil-A are eating at restaurants in the chicken chain as the company continues to be criticized for an executive's comments about gay marriage.

The controversy has lead to a big boost in business on appreciation day for the fast-food giant.

As supporters poured into Chick-Fil-A parking lots just to show their support here in Austin and across the country. 

"I told my son we were here because we support the biblical definition of marriage," said Terry Odaniel. 

But there were also protesters out as well spreading their message to people as they drove in. Teresa Trejo stood outside the Chick-Fil-A on Slaughter Lane with a sign stating her beliefs.

"I'm not going to lie I loved Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches but because of what they stand for I can no longer support them," said Trejo. 

Opponents of the company's stance are planning "Kiss Mor Chiks" for Friday, when they are encouraging people of the same sex to show up at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country and kiss each other.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, declared Wednesday national " Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day."

The controversy leads to a big boost in business today for the fast-food giant Chick-Fil-A...

Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy told the Baptist Press last month that the Atlanta-based company was "guilty as charged" for backing "the biblical definition of a family." That unleashed a torrent of criticism from gay rights groups and others, who have called for boycotts and efforts to block the chain from opening new stores.