Thousands of passengers were stuck in Atlanta this weekend. A fire knocked out the power in the city’s international airport. All flights were canceled. Passengers were stuck in the airport.
It was a nightmare scenario. People’s holiday plans were ruined. They were stuck without power (and heat) for hours. Families were disrupted. Businesses lost money.
But there was a silver lining during the crisis. Chick-fil-A, known for being closed on Sundays, broke its rule. They did it to feed stranded passengers.
From WGN9:
Chick-fil-A broke its golden rule, but it was for a good cause.
The Atlanta-based fast food chain is well-known for being closed on Sundays. But when a major power outage crippled Hartsfield-Jackson airport, Chick-fil-A provided food for the thousands of stranded passengers.
Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy personally helped hand out sandwiches.
LIGHTS ON and delivering food and water to our passengers! Thank you @dancathy with @ChickfilA for opening on a SUNDAY! #ChristmasMiracle pic.twitter.com/0PlSxHIWj5
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) December 18, 2017
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.
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) December 18, 2017
History has been made today!! @ChickfilA has opened on “Sunday” to feed the people stuck at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport due to a power outage! I @6BillionPeople claim this day #Chickfilasunday | December 17th 2017 #Chickfila pic.twitter.com/EXGTy3GQbV
— MarQuis Trill (@6BillionPeople) December 18, 2017
A fire in a Georgia power underground electrical facility damaged two substations serving the airport — including the system that provides backup power.
The power came back on shortly before midnight, but more than 1100 flights were affected by the blackout.
The Georgia International Convention Center also lent a helping hand, offering shuttles.
You can imagine how frustrated the situation was. Thousands of people were stuck at the airport. Their plans ruined. Worst, they had no place to go. With power out, they couldn’t even get a hot meal.
Chick-fil-A showed the true spirt of the season. They opened up their stores, not to cash in, but to give a helping hand. Many people were able to get a bite to eat. It provided comfort during a stressful situation.
The restaurant chain is normally closed on Sundays. They give their employees the day to worship. But they broke this rule, to help folks in need. That’s what it’s all about, right?
I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to support them all the more.
Source: WGN9
