This past weekend, a massive power outage at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport grounded thousands of passengers. While there may not have been timetables on when they were getting home, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A ensured they wouldn't go hungry by breaking one of their most sacred traditions.
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 power outage occurred on a Sunday, when Chick-fil-A is typically closed. However, Mayor Kasim Reed reached out to them late Sunday night in a call for help. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, nearby staffers whipped up a bunch of meals, despite the unusual Sunday hours. They then made deliveries to the airport and nearby Georgia International Convention Center, where more stranded travelers were holed up. In total, 2,000 meals were provided to help feed those in need.
Folks were more than happy that Chick-fil-A chipped in on their day off, with the Atlanta airport even calling it a "#ChristmasMiracle." Mayor Reed also tweeted out his thanks to the fast food chain for the assist.
Update: Power has been restored to Concourses A, B, F, T and the @ATLairport atrium. We have provided 2,000 meals so far. Special thank you to Dan Cathy and @ChickfilA for their support. #atlairport
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 18, 2017
However, this isn't the first time Chick-fil-A has opened its doors on Sunday to aid those in need. Following the tragic Orlando night club shooting last year, the chain spent an entire day making sandwiches and sending them to a local blood donation center helping treat victims, feeding donors and law enforcement in the area.
Chick-fil-A released a full statement regarding their generosity in Atlanta:
The mayor called at about 10pm 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 there are distributing sandwiches to passengers who are stranded due to the power outage. 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. We do not make a profit, but do what we can to offer comfort to people experiencing hardship.
The airport's power has since been fully restored, although passengers coming into and out of Atlanta are still facing cancelled flights, with Delta cancelling 400 today alone.
