Chick-fil-A opened Sunday to feed airport passengers

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A has long upheld the practice of closing on Sundays. Even when it added a presence at new sports venues SunTrust Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium this year, the fast-food chicken chain kept its concessions closed on Sunday game days . But yesterday, Chick-fil-A made a rare decision to work on a Sunday.

When a massive power outage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport left thousands of passengers stranded , Chick-fil-A mobilized employees to prepare and deliver sandwiches to hungry travelers.

 Chick-fil-A sandwich / Chick-fil-A Facebook photo.

Credit: Carolyn Desalu

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Credit: Carolyn Desalu

According the Chick-fil-A spokesperson Jackie Jags, “The mayor called about 10 p.m. and asked for assistance. We immediately mobilized staff and team members who live and work near the airport, and they are making sandwiches and delivering them to the EOC (emergency operations center).”

City and airport officials distributed the sandwiches to the stranded passengers.

“It has been a very difficult day for thousands of travelers, and while Chick-fil-A is always closed on Sunday, our restaurants open occasionally to serve communities in need,” Jags said.

 Chick-fil-A owner and CEO Dan Cathy hands out sandwiches to passengers stranded overnight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Atlanta-based chicken chain donated more than 5,300 sandwiches to feed hungry travelers. Photo credit: Chick-fil A

Credit: Yvonne Zusel

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Credit: Yvonne Zusel

In a tweet last night, the City of Atlanta informed passengers that Chick-fil-A was on the way: "The City of Atlanta has mobilized the Georgia International Convention Center and will provide shuttle services for anyone who needs a place to stay for the night. @ChickfilA will provide food for passengers."

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