Chick-fil-A Blunders With National Sandwich Day Ad, Popeyes Immediately Pounces

Chick-fil-A apologized to consumers after sending out an email advertising National Sandwich Day on November 3rd. The problem? November 3rd is a Sunday. The email left Chick-fil-A fans wide open to backlash given the Christian restaurant chain is famously closed on Sunday. It also opened the door for a competitor – Popeyes.

Chick-fil-A Promotes National Sandwich Day

It all started earlier this week when Chick-fil-A sent out a promo in an email to their subscribers.

“Calling all sandwich lovers. Some prefer it grilled, others fancy the original. No matter which Chick-fil-A sandwich you love, order yours on November 3 for National Sandwich Day,” the email read, according to Fox News.

The email went on to advertise the chain’s tiered, membership-based Chick-fil-A One program, which allows customers to earn points on every purchase. However, fans were shocked to see Chick-fil-A advertise something that would take place on a Sunday.

When they realized their blunder, the chain scrambled to apologize.

“We recently sent an email that included a message about National Sandwich Day, which naturally we were very excited about,” Chick-fil-A said in an apology email.

The emailed continued, “We didn’t realize it falls on Sunday when we are closed. We apologize for the confusion and hope to see you soon (Monday-Saturday).”

A spokesperson told Business Insider, “The cows sometimes get over-eager on their quest for self-preservation. They have been reminded that Sundays are off-limits.”

Popeyes Jumps In

Taking the opportunity to call out Chick-fil-A, the chain’s rival restaurant Popeyes took to Twitter to comment on the situation.

“Seriously… y’all good?” Popeye’s said, tagging Chick-fil-A.

Popeyes made headlines in August for selling out its new Spicy Chicken Sandwich. The Louisiana Kitchen announced just this week that the hot ticket item will return as a permanent menu item on … you guessed it! November 3rd.

Which just happens to be both a Sunday and National Sandwich Day. The Popeyes Spicy Chicken Sandwich product team is certainly playing for keeps.

Popeyes has reason to want to kick Chick-fil-A while it is down though. Earlier this year, we reported that Chick-fil-A was declared America’s favorite restaurant chain for the fourth year in a row, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. Read the full story: Chick-fil-A Is Declared America’s Favorite Restaurant Again!

Chick-fil-A: Closed On Sunday

Chick-fil-A, which has famously stuck to it’s Christian values despite pressure from the left to do otherwise, has famously always kept their doors closed on Sunday.

The chicken chain found a friend – and unpaid marketer – in rap superstar Kanye West. The 21-time Grammy winner’s latest album “Jesus Is King” features a song called “Closed On Sunday“.

The gospel influenced tune track pays homage to not just Chick-fil-A’s Christian values but also Kanye West’s newfound relationship with God. If anyone doubts Kanye’s sincerity – this candid, musically inspired testimonial is a must-watch.

Read also: Chick-Fil-A Finds An Unlikely Champion In Kanye West

Chick-fil-A explains the longstanding practice in a video on it’s website:

“At the end of a busy week, hours after the sun sets on Saturday evening, we turn out the lights and close our doors.”

“For one day, our restaurants are still. Closing on Sunday is a practice established by our Founder Truett Cathy that we still hold true to today.”

“It’s not about being closed, it’s about how we use that time,” the clip continues.

“So while we’re off today, we hope you can be with your family and friends. That’s the thought behind each Sunday story – delivering recipes, activities and inspiration that might bring you a little closer together.”